Home > Benefit Solutions > Healthcare Administration > Out of Network Negotiations
OUT-of-NETWORK NEGOTIATIONS

At HealthSmart, we believe the most effective method to discount out-of-network claims is through direct negotiations using experienced, highly-skilled negotiators with expertise and knowledge at the clinical level – HealthSmart’s proven strategy for consistent, sustainable and results-oriented total cost management.

Flexible Benefits Result in Out-of-Network Claims

With healthcare evolving to empower consumers with more choices, along with interest in taking additional control of their health, employers are being influenced to offer less restrictive healthcare packages. Most healthcare plans allow members the flexibility to use providers of their choice. Due to this flexibility or to circumstances beyond members’ control, there are times when high dollar claims are out-of-network. Claims paid at retail or at Reasonable and Customary result in greater plan cost for both the employer and the member.

In-house Medical Review Negotiation Team

Since 1994, our in-house medical review negotiation team has demonstrated an effective solution for controlling non-network plan costs while maximizing savings, regardless of the chosen provider. Low dollar non-network claims are systematically discounted by means of a second-tier network. Large dollar non-network claims are electronically directed to our skilled and experienced team for efficient and effective direct negotiating, providing a total cost management solution.

Negotiation Process

The negotiation process incorporates a comprehensive line-by-line review of the charges, along with skilled medical negotiators reviewing the appropriateness of services rendered. The team then aggressively negotiates with non-network hospitals, physicians and ancillary healthcare providers to help reduce our clients’ and their employees’ healthcare expenses. These negotiations encompass a Reasonable and Customary review of the charge levels, as well as a review of the appropriateness of services rendered. Our medical review negotiation team is supported in the negotiation process by a variety of cost databases, claims utilization history databases and reference tools to substantiate their negotiations. Resources available to the medical review negotiation team include:

  • Database with 30,000+ episodes of care (inpatient, outpatient, etc.)
  • Medicare fee schedules for physician and ancillary charges
  • Prevailing charge data for procedures, medical equipment, drugs and supplies
  • Hospital supply catalogs with wholesale prices
  • The Redbook for pharmaceutical wholesale prices
  • Second tier network access

Non-network Fee Negotiations is a significant cost saving program for our clients. HealthSmart saves significant plan dollars through proven negotiations on non-network expenditures. While you enjoy significant plan savings, your members enjoy the benefits of no balance billing. (In fact, to protect our members from being balance billed, our medical review negotiation team requires providers to sign a release form.) Let our non-network negotiation service provide a win-win situation for you and your members.

< back to top