What does a "bill hold" refer to in the billing process?

A "bill hold" refers to a pause before submitting a claim for payment. This pause can be implemented for various reasons, such as ensuring that all the necessary documentation and coding are accurate and complete, allowing the provider to verify that the services or items billed are both warranted and in compliance with payer requirements.

By placing a bill on hold, healthcare providers can minimize the chances of rejected claims due to errors or missing information, which could lead to delayed payments and increased administrative costs. It is essentially a preventive action to enhance the accuracy of the billing process and ensure that the claim meets the necessary criteria before it is sent to the payer, which can ultimately aid in quicker payment and smoother revenue cycle management.