Why Is Your Internal Medicine AR Growing Even Though Patient Volume Is Stable?

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Many internal medicine practices assume that stable patient volume should naturally lead to steady cash flow. However, in 2026, many providers are discovering the opposite. Even though appointment schedules remain full, Accounts Receivable (AR) continues to grow, payments take longer to arrive, and outstanding balances keep increasing. The problem usually isn't the number of patients being seen—it's what happens after the visit. Delayed claim submissions, coding errors, payer denials, Medicare Advantage complexities, and inefficient follow-up can all contribute to rising AR. Over time, these issues create cash flow challenges that affect staffing, operations, and long-term profitability. This is why more providers are investing in specialized Internal Medicine Billing Services , comprehensive medical billing services , advanced RCM services , and proactive Revenue Integrity programs to reduce AR and improve collections. Why Stable Patient Volume Doesn't Always Mean Stable...

Correct Use of Modifiers for Podiatry Services

 

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Improper use of Modifiers for Podiatry Services can be the cause of claim denials just as not using a modifier can be. When using modifiers, make sure you clearly understand what the modifier entails. Sometimes, there are related services that the physician is performing, global periods to contend with, etc. Modifiers will clarify extenuating circumstances, which should allow for payment when they otherwise may not.

If the insurance company denies a claim and you rebill it by simply choosing another modifier and hoping that is the correct one, this will usually end up creating additional problems. Insurance companies may have a time limit as to how long you can file an appeal. If you continually rebill incorrectly, then by the time you send in the claims and subsequently get denied again, you may run out of the appeal window. The appeal window generally starts when you submit the initial claim. Medicare explanation of medical benefits (EOMBs) will indicate whether you can appeal a claim rather than rebill, depending on the error.

There are three specific evaluation and management (E/M) modifiers. These are the -24, -25, and -57 modifiers. Only use these modifiers with E/M services. If you append them to any other service such as a diagnostic study or procedure, the carrier will automatically deny your claim.

Modifiers for Podiatry Services are:

Modifier 24:

Unrelated Evaluation and Management by the same physician during a postoperative period. When an unrelated E/M service is performed by the same physician during the postoperative (global period -10 or 90-day postoperative period) then append modifier 24 to the E/M procedure code. Make sure that we are not assigning the same diagnosis code which is the reason for the surgery which was performed earlier, and then there would be the chance of the claim getting denied.

To know more about the Correct Use of Modifiers for Podiatry Services, click here: https://bit.ly/3KhgRMc Contact us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com888-357-3226.

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