In the world of managed care, it is important to do everything you can to cover all the bases in the patient registration process. There are countless forms to complete; consent forms, authorization forms, assignment of benefit forms, and HIPAA forms to name just a few. One form practice managers dont often think about in the early stages is an Authorization for Appointment of Designated Appeal Representative. This form can be essential in order to file an appeal on behalf of your patient. You dont want to chase your patient down for a signature after a claim is denied and the timely filing period for the appeal is a few days away. Be sure to allow for an expiration of the authorization. Rather than stating a finite period of time, I recommend an automatic expiration upon resolution of the appeal. Also, include a clause stating that the patient has read the consent and that it has been explained to their satisfaction. Additionally, always state the patient as well as the designated appeals representative has the right to rescind the consent in writing at any time. Finally, provide a signature line for acceptance by the designated appeal representative.
