When should insurance be verified?

Asked by: Hayley Kozey  |  Last update: September 21, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (58 votes)

Your medical billing staff should complete insurance verifications before scheduling services. This early verification benefits both your business and the patient.

When should insurance verification take place?

Contact the insurance company before the patient's initial visit. The bulk of the reason why you should start the verification process early is that it can take some time to complete this second step. You could be sitting on the phone for around 20 minutes—and that's with a relatively smooth verification process.

How often should insurance information be verified?

Insurance information should be reviewed and updated: At every visit: Confirm that the patient's insurance remains valid. During open enrollment: Proactively request updated insurance details after enrollment periods. Quarterly check-ins: For regular patients, verifying insurance quarterly can prevent surprises.

When should a certificate of insurance be issued?

When considering a new business contract with a third-party company, it's crucial to know when to ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Always request a COI from a contractor before they commence work on your project. The COI should be obtained before entering into business with the new third party.

Why do we need to verify insurance?

Insurance verification ensures reimbursement of maximum insurance claims by getting them authorized, eliminating fraud, and preventing all the denied claims. This means hospitals and doctors get paid for the medical insurance verification services they have provided to the patients having insurance claims.

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Whose responsibility is it to verify insurance coverage?

Medical insurance verification is the process in which a medical billing team determines a patient's insurance coverage for medical services, as well as the patient's financial responsibility. Your medical billing staff should complete insurance verifications before scheduling services.

Why is insurance always verified?

It helps in preventing claim denials by ensuring services are covered before they are provided. It protects patients from unexpected costs, making them aware of their financial responsibilities upfront. It improves the patient experience, as patients feel more secure knowing their insurance has been verified.

Why would someone request a certificate of insurance?

Generally, a client will request a COI directly from your insurance company to confirm you have appropriate insurance coverage. If you are hiring a contractor, consider getting a COI from their insurance company, even if you have worked with them before because their coverage may have changed.

Who sends a certificate of insurance?

A COI is typically one page long and includes the policy's effective date, coverage limits, and more. Some clients require a certificate of insurance before working with your business. You can request a COI from your insurance company or have one sent directly to them.

How much does a certificate of insurance cost?

A certificate of insurance is free. Much like a receipt, the document is proof that the policyholder paid for the policy and has insurance. The cost of the policy depends on the type of insurance, your policy limits, and business factors, such as revenue and number of employees.

How do companies verify insurance?

Some insurance providers will offer digital portals where you can verify insurance coverage online if you provide relevant information for the specified individuals or businesses. Requesting proof of insurance through COIs. This is the standard method of insurance verification.

Why do I need to validate my insurance?

Validation is simply our way of checking that all the information you supplied to us was accurate. To do this we'll ask for a number of documents to be sent through. Once we receive them, your policy will be authorised and you can carry on safe in the knowledge that you are fully insured.

What are some potential consequences of failing to verify insurance?

Failing to perform this step can result in unpaid or denied claims and an unnecessary financial burden on patients. Verification prior to service can eliminate these revenue leaks that ultimately cost healthcare providers a lot of money.

What is pre insurance verification?

To comply with the said regulation, some of the life Insurers have adopted the practice of PIVC (Pre-Issuance Verification Call) to prevent mis-selling and unfair business practices and to ensure that during policy solicitation and sale stages, the prospects are fully informed and made aware of the terms and conditions ...

How often should the patient's insurance coverage be verified?

Before Actual Appointments

Additionally, it's also smart to verify the patient's eligibility again 2-3 days before the appointment, especially if you schedule appointments far in advance. This is smart as the patient's remaining deductible levels can change in a matter of days.

How does insurance verify claims?

Insurance claims investigations rely on evidence, interviews, and records to conclude whether a claim is legitimate or illegitimate. There are several types of insurance investigations depending on the claim being made.

When should I ask for a certificate of insurance?

When Should You Request a COI? Typically, a certificate of insurance is requested by a business or individual who is hiring another business or individual and wants to ensure that they have the appropriate insurance coverage in place to protect against potential liability issues.

Where do I get my insurance certificate?

From your insurance company: Most insurers have physical offices you can visit. Talk to a representative who can guide you through getting car insurance and provide your certificate.

Can I issue my own certificate of insurance?

Insureds don't have the authority to issue their own certificates. The agent, under contract with the carrier, issues a COI on behalf of the insurer.

Why would an insurance company send a certified letter?

When it comes to customer communications, insurance companies follow specific processes and timelines set by regulators and state insurance departments. Certified Mail® is often the most efficient way to document that notifications have been properly completed.

Who holds the certificate of insurance?

A certificate holder is the business or person who receives the COI from the policy holder. The insured — or their insurance company — will provide the COI to the certificate holder as a way to prove they have sufficient insurance coverage for the job.

Why do you have to show proof of insurance?

Traffic stops: If you're pulled over, police officers will ask for proof of insurance. Failure to provide it can result in points on your driving record, hefty fines, and suspension of your driver's license. Car accidents: After an accident, you must exchange insurance information with the other driver.

When should insurance verification be done?

The insurance verification process includes deductibles, policy status, plan exclusions, and other items that affect cost and coverage and are done before patients are admitted to the hospital as it is the first step of the medical billing process.

Who is responsible for insurance verification?

A key member of any health care provider is an insurance verification specialist. He or she is primarily responsible for making sure patients have proper insurance coverage for the services provided by the clinic.

What does it mean when insurance is verified?

First and foremost, insurance verification is the process of confirming that an individual has insurance coverage. This can be done through a variety of means, but typically involves contacting the insurance company directly. There are a few different types of insurance that you may need to verify.