The Most Common Insurance Billing Mistakes Acupuncturists Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Billing insurance for acupuncture services can be complex, and even small mistakes can lead to denied claims, delayed payments, or lost revenue. Many acupuncturists unknowingly leave money on the table by making avoidable errors in their billing process.
At Radiant Acupuncture Billing Services, we’ve seen it all! Here are the most common billing mistakes—and how to fix them.
1. Not Verifying Insurance Coverage Before Treatment
Many acupuncturists assume a patient’s insurance covers acupuncture without checking first. This can lead to surprise denials and unpaid claims.
✅ Solution: Always verify benefits before the patient’s first visit. Confirm:
If acupuncture is covered under their plan
The number of allowed visits per year
Deductibles, copays, and any pre-authorization requirements
Knowing this information upfront ensures accurate billing and fewer surprises.
2. Using Incorrect or Incomplete CPT Codes
Incorrect coding is one of the top reasons for claim denials. Using the wrong CPT code—or missing necessary modifiers—can result in reduced reimbursements or rejected claims.
✅ Solution: Stay up to date on coding guidelines and use:
The correct CPT codes for acupuncture services
Modifiers (e.g., GP for Medicare when necessary)
Additional service codes if you provide cupping, manual therapy, or evaluations
Correct coding ensures maximum reimbursement for the services you provide.
3. Submitting Claims Late (Or Not Following Up!)
Many acupuncturists assume their claims are being processed—only to find out months later that they were never paid. Insurance companies have strict deadlines, and late claims may be denied outright.
✅ Solution:
Submit claims as soon as possible after treatment
Keep track of unpaid claims and follow up within 30 days
Appeal denied claims instead of assuming they’re a loss
Regularly monitoring your claims prevents revenue from slipping through the cracks.
4. Failing to Collect Copays & Deductibles Upfront
If you don’t collect copays and deductibles at the time of service, you may struggle to get payment from patients later. This leads to unpaid balances and lost income.
✅ Solution:
Clearly explain financial policies to patients before treatment
Collect copays and deductibles at the time of service
Send invoices promptly for any remaining balance
Setting financial expectations upfront prevents awkward conversations and payment delays.
5. Not Keeping Proper Documentation
Insurance companies require detailed documentation to justify treatment. If notes are missing or incomplete, your claims may be denied—even if the services were legitimate.
✅ Solution: Ensure each patient’s file includes:
Detailed SOAP notes for every visit
Diagnosis codes that match the treatment provided
Any additional justification for medical necessity
Thorough documentation supports your claims and protects your practice in case of audits.
Streamline Your Billing & Get Paid Faster
If insurance billing is taking up too much of your time and energy, outsourcing to a professional billing service can help. At Radiant Acupuncture Billing Services, we handle the entire claims process—from verification to appeals—so you can focus on patient care.
👉 Let us take the stress out of insurance billing! Contact us today to learn how we can support your acupuncture practice.
