Effect of a simplified billing form and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on compensable billings in an Australian metropolitan emergency department: An interrupted time series analysis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a simplified billing form on billings recovery.

Methods: An interrupted time series analysis of weekly presentations and billings between 1 April 2019 and 14 June 2020.

Results: Notably, 3228 patients were included (2030 Overseas Visitor Agreement, 359 Transport Accident Commission and 839 Work Cover). There was a $208.34 (95% CI 155.44–261.23, P < 0.0001) increase in billings per episode, that is, 59% (95% CI 44–74, P < 0.0001), from a baseline of $351.75/episode. There was no significant change in the actual billing rate during the pandemic.

Conclusion: Total billings did not change. Less patients were identified, but each generated 59% more billings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)632-635
Number of pages4
JournalEMA - Emergency Medicine Australasia
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 May 2022

Keywords

  • Australia
  • Emergency service
  • Hospital
  • Interrupted time series analysis
  • Pandemic (COVID-19)
  • SARS-CoV-2

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