How to Fix OB-GYN Billing Errors and Prevent 45-Day Reimbursement Delays

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How to Fix OB-GYN Billing Errors and Prevent 45-Day Reimbursement Delays


OB-GYN practices lose weeks of cash flow not because of payer delays, but due to preventable billing errors. A single mistake in coding, documentation, or eligibility can easily push reimbursements beyond 45 days. Here is how to fix the root causes and stabilize payments.

1. Strengthen Front-End Accuracy

Most reimbursement delays start before the patient is seen. Verify eligibility, benefits, and prior authorizations in real time. Confirm maternity global coverage, payer-specific rules, and patient responsibility upfront to avoid rework and rejections.

2. Eliminate Coding Gaps in OB-GYN Services

OB-GYN billing is complex due to bundled services, modifiers, and global periods. Errors often occur in:

  • Global maternity billing (antepartum, delivery, postpartum)

  • Modifier misuse (-25, -59, -50)

  • Incorrect ICD-10 linkage for medical necessity

Regular coding audits and specialty-trained coders reduce denials and speed up clean claims.

3. Improve Clinical Documentation

Incomplete or unclear documentation leads to payer queries and claim suspensions. Ensure providers document:

  • Medical necessity for procedures and ultrasounds

  • Trimester-specific diagnoses

  • Separate E/M services when billed with procedures

Clean documentation directly shortens reimbursement timelines.

4. Monitor Denials in Real Time

Waiting until the month-end to review denials guarantees delayed payments. Track denial trends weekly, categorize root causes, and correct them immediately. Proactive denial management keeps claims moving instead of aging past 45 days.

5. Tighten AR Follow-Ups

Claims not followed up on within 7–14 days often stall. A structured AR workflow with payer-specific timelines ensures underpaid, denied, or pending claims are resolved quickly—keeping AR days under control.

6. Use OB-GYN-Focused Billing Expertise

General billing teams often miss specialty-specific nuances. OB-GYN-focused billing partners understand payer maternity rules, surgical coding, and compliance requirements—preventing delays before claims are even submitted.

The Result

When OB-GYN billing errors are fixed at the source, clean claim rates improve, denial rates drop below 5%, and reimbursements are consistently received well before the 45-day mark.

Location: United States

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