E-billing on the up
By a staff reporter
A huge growth in the number of private doctors submitting electronic invoices is being reported by private healthcare online solutions company Healthcode.
It is believed last year’s 76% rise – nearly three times the rate in the previous 12 months – has been fuelled by new independent practitioners (NIPS) embracing e-billing and established practices reacting to greater competition by exploring more efficient ways to operate.
Last year, Healthcode revealed that more than 3,700 doctors had launched a private practice in the previous three years (Independent Practitioner Today, March 2014).
Independent practices are fast catching up with hospitals who were early adopters of e-billing with the company. Consultants’ invoices now represent 32% of the total submitted, compared with 22% in 2013 and 12% in 2010. Total e-bill volumes rose nearly 20% last year.
Healthcode managing director Peter Connor said: ‘I’m delighted that independent practitioners are making the leap forward from paper invoices because automating this time-consuming process has significant advantages, especially for new businesses.
‘Not only can practices reduce administrative costs but they can also improve their cash flow, as electronic invoices are usually settled faster.’
October 2014 was the most active month for independent practitioners and hospitals, with more than 375,000 bills submitted.
Healthcode said e-billing from hospitals grew 5% last year after a slight contraction the previous 12 months. This could reflect an increase in activity levels and provided ‘a reason for optimism’.