Insurers press doctors to file more claims electronically

The number of claims submitted and processed electronically has almost doubled over about the past decade, according to data released Tuesday by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

AHIP said electronic claims rose from 44 percent in 2002 to 94 percent in 2011.

But AHIP pressed doctors to file claims more quickly, saying 54 percent of paper claims were filed more than 30 days after the service was provided. Only 16 percent of electronic claims were filed after 30 days, AHIP said.

“This survey demonstrates that health plans are playing a leadership role in improving claims processing,” AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni said in a statement. “Increasing the percentage of claims submitted and paid electronically will reduce paperwork, improve efficiency and help bring down costs.”

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