Three methods of billing are available: direct patient, third party and monthly account. PLEASE NOTE that if you wish to have tests billed to your monthly account in addition to patient billing, the test for monthly billing must be submitted on a separate Test Request form.

Our base fees for monthly account billing are determined by cost analysis of the labor and materials involved for each laboratory test. Patient and third party fees are somewhat higher to cover the additional clerical work and materials involved.

The following section will explain the mechanics of our billing procedures and the information necessary for each type.

PATIENT BILLING:

Your patients will receive an itemized bill from RML within two weeks from the date of service. Patients are re-billed on a 28-day cycle.

Necessary information for patient billing:

1. Patient's name.
2. Responsible party name if patient is under 18 years of age.
3. Complete current address with zip code.
4. Telephone number.
5. Patient's Social Security number

THIRD PARTY (INSURANCES):

RML is certified by Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Shield to perform the laboratory tests listed in our Fee Schedule. We will bill any combination of these carriers at no additional charge to your patients as long as we receive adequate billing information with each request.

Generally, patients will not receive a bill from RML until the insurance companies have made partial payments or no payments have been made during the first 60 days.

BLUE SHIELD:

RML is currently a participating member with Blue Shield and will accept their reimbursement as payment in full. Patients will be billed for policy deductibles, copays and tests not covered by their policies after Blue Shield payments or rejections have been received.

Necessary information in addition to patient billing information:

1. Subscriber's name.
2. Patient relationship to subscriber.
3. Patient's date of birth.
4. Diagnosis.
5. All policy numbers.
6. Patient's Social Security number

MEDICAID:

RML is currently a Michigan and Indiana Medicaid participating provider. Patients with Medicaid will be billed only for tests not covered by Medicaid or if no payment or rejection has been received during the first 60 days from billing.

Necessary information in addition to patient billing information:

1. Diagnosis.
2. Patient's date of birth.
3. Medicaid number.
4. Patient's Social Security number
5. Name of Medicaid HMO, if applicable.

MEDICARE:

Patients with Medicare will be billed only for deductibles or for tests not covered or rejected by Medicare. Patient billing will begin after we have received notice from Medicare.

Necessary information in addition to patient billing information:

1. Diagnosis.
2. Patient's date of birth.
3. Medicare number (nine-digit and one letter).
4. Patient's Social Security number

COMMERCIAL INSURANCES:

RML will bill primary insurance carriers directly for all covered services. Patients will be billed for policy deductibles, copays and tests not covered by their policies after partial payments or rejections have been received.

Necessary information in addition to patient billing information:

1. Diagnosis.
2. Carrier name.
3. All policy numbers.
4. Patient's Social Security number
5. Patient's date of birth.

MONTHLY ACCOUNT BILLING:

At the beginning of each month, you will receive an itemized invoice for all laboratory work ordered during the previous month. The invoice will have each request date, patient name, tests ordered and fees. Accompanying each invoice will be a statement showing the current and past open invoices, along with miscellaneous services and supplies ordered. Statements are due and payable within 30 days.