As Alberta’s physician payment models are continuing to evolve, many doctors are exploring new opportunities as well as seeking greater clarity when it comes to medical billing. To gain insight into how Alberta physicians are navigating and optimizing their billing practices in this changing landscape, DoctorCare sat down with Dr. Thulani, a family physician and hospitalist based in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Dr. Thulani works at Chinook Regional Hospital, where long shifts and demanding cases leave little room for administrative tasks like billing. With experience using both traditional billing agents and online solutions, he shares how DoctorCare’s Billing Care service has transformed his practice, helping him recover lost revenue and streamline his workflow.
DoctorCare: To start, can you tell us a little about your practice?
Dr. Thulani: I work as a hospitalist at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta. It’s a regional hospital where we see a variety of interesting cases. Our shifts are long – typically 12 to 16 hours, and we sometimes work seven days in a row. With such an intense workload, there is very little time left for administrative tasks like billing.
DoctorCare: Speaking of physician payment models, what model do you currently use?
Dr. Thulani: I’m on a Fee-for-Service model, and I exclusively work in the hospital.
DoctorCare: That sounds incredibly demanding. How did you previously manage your billing?
Dr. Thulani: About ten years ago, I used a billing agent. That was helpful, but I found the process of filling out paperwork and sending it to the agent tedious. A colleague mentioned online billing solutions, and after trying a few, I found one that was easy to use. That made my life easier, but still required effort on my end to ensure my billings are accurate.
DoctorCare: You signed up for DoctorCare’s Billing Care service about two years ago. What led you to that decision?
Dr. Thulani: Time – or rather, the lack of it. I simply didn’t have the capacity to manage rejected invoices. Over the years, I accumulated around $37,000 or more in rejected claims, which I wasn’t able to address. Since signing up with DoctorCare, they handle everything for me. I frequently receive emails notifying me that they’ve recovered thousands of dollars on my behalf. For the price I pay for the service, the return on that investment is incredible, it’s practically priceless!
DoctorCare: Before signing up, how were you handling those rejected claims?
Dr. Thulani: I wasn’t. The revenue that’s lost from past rejections is gone. But since signing up with DoctorCare, I’m no longer losing money because they’re actively managing my invoices.
DoctorCare: When searching for a billing support provider, what were your key criteria?
Dr. Thulani: I needed someone with the expertise and time to handle rejected claims. Understanding billing codes and rejection reasons requires significant effort, and I found that calling and investigating errors took up too much of my time. I wanted a solution that allowed me to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.
DoctorCare: Since partnering with DoctorCare, what improvements have you noticed?
Dr. Thulani: The biggest improvement is that my rejected claims are being handled, saving me both time and money. At one point, I wasn’t addressing rejections at all, they were just piling up. Now, thanks to DoctorCare, my billing process is more efficient, and I’m recovering income that would otherwise have been lost.
DoctorCare: How has your experience been with DoctorCare’s customer service?
Dr. Thulani: It is excellent. I like that everything is handled for me. They email me updates, and I can respond at my convenience. There are no unnecessary phone calls. They highlight any rejections that I need to handle myself, making the process seamless.
DoctorCare: Do you have any advice for other doctors in Alberta who are looking for billing support?
Dr. Thulani: Billing is a major aspect of a physician’s practice. For those who need additional support, I recommend DoctorCare. It has worked very well for me.
Conclusion
Dr. Thulani’s experience highlights a common challenge many physicians face: finding the time to manage billing efficiently while prioritizing patient care. By adopting dedicated billing support services, he was able to recover significant revenue and improve his overall workflow, allowing him to focus more on his practice.
For Alberta physicians seeking to optimize their billing, DoctorCare provides the expertise and tools to simplify claim submissions and manage rejections. Additionally, as billing models in Alberta continue to evolve, we help doctors seamlessly transition to new compensation structures, ensuring they understand the requirements and can maximize their earnings without added administrative strain.
Interested in learning more about how we can support you? Contact us today!
