Billing FAQs & Information
As the billing for healthcare services can be complex, here are answers to common questions to help you understand the billing procedures.
Q: What is an EOB? Is it a bill?
A: An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is a notification form that your insurance company sends to you after processing a claim. An EOB is not a bill. It is only an estimate of your financial responsibility. The only time you should pay Biocept is if you receive an invoice from us. Biocept will treat all patients as if in-network even if we are an out-of-network provider.
Q: Why does it take an extended time to receive a bill?
A: Insurance companies may take approximately 60 to 90 days to respond to Biocept’s claims. Many times, the insurer’s response to Biocept is that additional information is needed in order to process the claim. The billing cycle may repeat itself several times as we respond to the insurers' inquiries. Biocept attempts to collect our claims from your insurance company without bothering the patient in the process. As a result, by the time the insurer calculates your financial responsibility and you receive an invoice from Biocept, it may be several months after the date of service.
Q: Why did I receive a bill from a pathology company?
A: When a physician performs a surgical procedure, several healthcare providers participate. For example, a surgery center, anesthesiologist, radiologist, and pathology lab may all assist the surgeon. These independent providers bill your insurance company directly for these services. If you or your insurance company received a bill from Biocept, it is because we provided pathology lab services to your physician on your behalf.
Q: Why did I receive a bill from Biocept?
A: Your physician has selected Biocept to test your blood based on patented and unique tests which no other laboratory may offer. Your bill from Biocept usually pertains to a deductible or copayment that is your responsibility according to the terms of your contracted in-network benefits with your insurer.
Q: I have a secondary, or supplemental, insurance policy. How does that affect me?
A: Biocept will file all secondary, or supplemental, insurance claims on your behalf. If you receive an invoice from Biocept and believe that a secondary claim has not been filed, contact Biocept’s Client Service to verify. (Please make sure that your doctor has the necessary information on all of your insurance policies prior to your procedure.)
Q: If I have Medicare, how are these claims handled?
A: Biocept diagnostic services are covered under Medicare Part B, and Biocept will submit your Medicare claim on your behalf. Biocept accepts assignment on all pathology testing, meaning that it will accept the dollar amount (as the amount you will be charged) that Medicare allows for these services. Since Medicare pays only 80% of the allowed amount for this type of testing, you will be billed for the remaining 20%, along with any deductible. Should you have a secondary insurance carrier, Biocept will submit your claim on your behalf for the remaining 20% to that carrier. Again, patients are responsible for the payment of unpaid balances
As with any medical service, questions or issues concerning coverage or medical billing may arise. If they do, please call the Biocept Customer Service Department at (toll free) 888.332.7729. They will resolve all relevant questions or issues in an efficient and timely manner.