Advancing 275 Electronic Attachments in Medical Billing: A Move Towards Efficiency

Author: Tracey Tillman, CRCR, Sr. Director of Product Management at SSI

The healthcare sector is no stranger to the myriad complexities associated with medical claims and billing processes. Among them, the 275 electronic attachment is emerging as an essential tool in the realm of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM). A component of the X12 set of protocols, the 275 electronic attachment (sometimes referred to as EDI 275 attachments) is an electronic version of patient-specific medical information or supplemental documentation to support a claim (837) transaction. But why is this important for healthcare providers?

The Significance of the 275 Electronic Attachment

Consider this: Over 20-30% of all medical claims necessitate some form of supporting documentation from a provider or hospital. This equates to about 181 million attachments processed annually. Without suitable systems in place, the process of handling these attachments can be cumbersome, error-prone, and time-consuming.

From a financial standpoint, CAQH CORE estimates that it costs a healthcare provider approximately $22 or more to receive, review, prepare, and send each claim using traditional methods, such as mail and fax. The costs escalate quickly if you multiply this by the volume of claims a typical provider manages.

Current State of Electronic Attachment Adoption

Despite the clear need for more streamlined and efficient systems, there has been hesitancy among health plans, providers, and vendors to make significant investments in automated attachment solutions. A major factor behind this reluctance is the absence of a federal mandate to guide the industry.

However, the winds of change are blowing. In December 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule titled “Adoption of Standards for HealthCare Attachments Transactions and Modification and Authorization Transaction Standard.” If finalized, this rule would set long-awaited attachment standards as a transaction standard.

Fast forward to April 2023, and a hearing was held whereby industry comments were solicited on a proposed set of CAQH CORE Operating Rules for federal adoption. These rules aim to establish infrastructure and data content requirements for attachments and additional documentation, supporting various standards for the X12 275. The healthcare community is now in anticipation, awaiting feedback from this hearing and comment period. A recommendation to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the proposed operating rules’ adoption is expected by early 2024.

A Comparative Look: Manual vs. Electronic

In 2022, CAQH CORE estimated that the manual volume for attachments stood at a staggering 132 million, while the electronic counterpart was 49 million. The gap is evident, but it’s crucial to note the growth trend in electronic adoption. Over the past three years, the adoption of the X12 275 saw an increase, with volume expanding by 3% across the US.

A mere 24% of health plans currently support a fully electronic process, leaving a vast 76% white space. The potential for electronic expansion is undeniable, and companies like SSI are prepared to facilitate this transition as more health plans come on board.

Provider Benefits of Using Electronic Attachments

Traditionally, the provider attachment workflow has been cumbersome, creating a significant administrative burden and leading staff to work in isolated silos dictated by specific payer requirements. However, the rise of electronic attachments is revolutionizing this process. Here are some of the critical benefits providers can reap by leveraging electronic attachments:

• Time and Cost Savings: With reduced manual intervention, faster processing times, and minimized errors, providers can achieve significant cost savings. This includes savings on paper, postage, storage, and labor costs. Financially, providers are expected to save 8 minutes per transaction and $159 million annually when moving to an electronic process (CAQH CORE).
• Streamlined and Unified Workflow: One of the primary advantages of using electronic attachments is the seamless integration into a unified workflow. With solutions like those offered by SSI, providers no longer have to juggle between different processes for different payers. The attachment strategy is designed to integrate attachments efficiently, removing the chaos and disorganization that once characterized this task.
• Elimination of Silos: By adopting an electronic attachment strategy, providers can break down the barriers that once divided staff based on specific payer requirements. This ensures all team members are on the same page, fostering better collaboration and coordination.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Traditional attachment processes were manual, time-consuming, and prone to errors. With electronic attachments, much of this process becomes automated. This not only reduces the time and effort required but also minimizes the chances of errors that could delay payments or lead to compliance issues.
• No Need to Memorize Payer Requirements: Different payers often have varying requirements, and keeping up with all of these can be daunting. Electronic attachments simplify this by standardizing the process. Providers no longer need to bear the burden of remembering or referring to individual payer stipulations.
• Enhanced Security: Electronic attachments have robust security features, protecting patient data and other sensitive information. This is crucial in an age where data breaches are a significant concern and regulatory bodies are becoming stricter regarding patient data protection.
• Eco-friendly: By moving away from paper-based processes, providers not only streamline their operations but also make an eco-friendly choice. This reduces the carbon footprint and supports sustainable healthcare practices.
• Improved Patient Satisfaction: A more efficient billing process, which includes swift handling of attachments, leads to faster claim processing and payment. This can directly translate into improved patient satisfaction, as they experience fewer billing issues or delays.

The Future and Opportunities Ahead

Given the rising tide of electronic adoption and the sheer financial implications, payers are increasingly inquiring about companies like SSI’s capabilities in handling 275 attachments electronically. The interest showcases a clear industry trend moving towards digital solutions for better efficiency and cost savings.

Conclusion

The 275 electronic attachment, while just a piece of the RCM puzzle, offers a vivid snapshot of the broader challenges and opportunities facing healthcare providers. As the sector moves inevitably towards an increasingly automated electronic process, providers who embrace these changes stand to benefit in terms of financial and resource savings. By staying informed, proactive, and ready to adapt, healthcare providers can navigate the evolving landscape of 275 attachments and harness its potential for a more streamlined future.

Learn more about SSI’s electronic attachment solution or request a demo.