How is oncology medical billing different from standard medical billing practices?
Oncology medical billing is significantly more complex than general medical billing due to the specialized nature of cancer care. Oncology practices deal with high-cost drugs, multi-phase treatment plans, strict documentation requirements, and rapidly changing payer policies. Unlike routine office visits, oncology billing often involves services like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug administration, and continuous monitoring—each requiring precise coding, prior authorization, and careful claim handling. Mistakes in this process can lead to significant revenue loss, compliance risks, and delayed patient care. That's why oncology billing demands a higher level of expertise and attention to detail. Q: What are the most common services involved in oncology billing? A: Common services include: Initial and follow-up consultations (E/M coding) Chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions Radiation therapy sessions (IMRT, SRS, IGRT) Diagnostic testing and patho...