As mentioned in the last few blog posts, quality metrics provide the indicators physicians need to measure how their practice is performing. In this post I take a look at how doctors can identify the amount they should be collecting for each patient visit.
Metric to Measure – Average Reimbursement Per Encounter
What It Is
This is the average amount a practice collects per encounter.
Calculation
Total Reimbursement ÷ Number of Encounters in a Given Time Period
Benchmark
Due to variation across specialties, there is no universal industry benchmark for this metric.
Why It Matters
When benchmarked within a specialty, this metric gives practices a sense of whether they’re performing well or could realistically be bringing in more money. When tracked over time and compared with historical practice results, it provides a simple, yet powerful gauge of whether your practice is trending in a positive or negative direction. If negative, your practice must take steps to get back on track (e.g., by diversifying your patient or payer mix).
Again, the average reimbursement per encounter fluctuates according to the type of patients you treat. Speak with other specialists or conduct some Internet research to see if your price points match industry standards. You could be missing out on a substantial amount of revenue.
To ensure your practice is performing at its best, monitoring metrics like average reimbursement per encounter is crucial. If you need expert guidance on optimizing your practice’s financial performance, contact us at Reed Tinsley, CPA, for personalized consulting services tailored to physicians and medical practices.
Have questions? I’m here to help.
