If a CPT/HCPCS code is selected in Assessment, then it can be billed. The Encounter Close screen displays the Ready to Bill checkbox. If this is checked, a billing entry is created and is seen under Claims > Edit.

Ideally, this can be created when closing the encounter. Many times, the doctor may leave the encounter open because they want to enter some notes, are waiting for transcription, or for any other reason. It is still likely that the CPT/HCPCS codes are present in Assessment and that there is no reason to withhold the billing. To provide for such a real-life situation, the Ready to Bill checkbox has been provided. If the user is on the Encounter Close screen and closes the encounter without checking this checkbox, the program assumes it is checked and processes it accordingly.

The only fallout of this feature is that each time the user visits the Encounter Close screen and clicks OK, if the Ready to Bill checkbox is checked, it tries to delete the existing billing record and recreates a new one for the encounter. So, if the Biller has made changes, they are lost. However, if the Biller has completed their changes and sent the charge, then the records are not deleted and recreated. In fact, the Ready to Bill checkbox becomes checked but disabled.