Networks vs. Direct Billing

[DaveC]

I guess ACT would be the easiest way to go for starting out. So if I call ACT for auth#, they charge 14.95. But if I sign up with ACT, I can call the network for the #, then fax the invoice to ACT and pay 7.95. Is that right?

Nope. You have to sign up with ACT to use their service. You would pay thew $14.95 fee if they have to contact the insurance company/network to obtain a claim/referrral number on your behalf.

However, if you and your customer contact their insurance company/network and obtain the claim/referral number on your own, you simply call ACT with the info and they charge the $7.95 fee to process.

[sallyu]

Hi Graybeard,

Not sure if you are traveling now or not since my response is from an old post of yours, but thought that I would give it a try anyhow.

I see that you go to flea markets.

I am new, and haven't actually done any repairs yet, but noticed that most WSR guys only work M-F .

This may seem like a DUH , but based on your message I am now assuming that you can still receive verification or confirmation on the weekends as well from your insurance Co? I was always under the assumption that the Insurance Companies were closed on the Weekends. At least I know my "local agent" State Farm is closed.

If I am reading this correctly this is great news for me, because my current JOB has me scheduled six days a week, and I have been trying to figure out a way to break free and have time to actually move forward with this business.

Many times by the time I get home from work, it is getting dark, and a lot of the Industrial businesses are closed.

Thanks again for your valuable posts!

I was also really confused about the Direct Billing process, and because of YOUR clear concise explanation of the procedure has cleared up many issues and causes of confusion for me.

Hope you are enjoying your travels!!

Many Thanks,

Sally

The Windshield Clinic

[cure4glass]

Sallyu,
This is not Graybeard but I'll put in my 2 cents. I've never had a problem with verification for repair claims on weekends from the networks.I've called well into the evenings to lynx and gotten a dispatch number several times.I believe most claims office numbers are set up to be answered "after hours".Good Luck-Greg

[sallyu]

Hi Greg,

Thanks for your 2 cents. Unlike the economy your input is worth a whole lot more than that and much appreciated

I spent a day riding with the Coitster in Dallas Talk about money well spent.

His knowledge, patience, and just down to earth presence gave me not only the gracious opportunity to obtain and observe real life situations and working knowledge of WSR, but the confidence as well to "go after it". I am generally pretty shy and laid back, so this venture will be really stepping out of my comfort zone for me in a big way.

Like I said earlier, I am not a part of the "network". I haven't really begun, so I don't have the One year requirement to belong, and can't see myself paying A.C. T for billing, so I am going to attempt the Direct Billing approach.

Thanks again,
Sally Uresti

The Windshield Clinic

[cure4glass]

Sally,
I think just taking the ride with Coitster speaks volumes for your commitment.A mentor is a good thing to have no matter what you're doing.I think you will do great.

[sallyu]

Hey Greg,

I have been so impressed with the responses and the real show of support from everyone that participates here.

I am grateful and really touched (I am not speaking of being touched in the head either ) how Y'all have stepped in to help each other.

I consider all of you my mentors, and look forward to the day that I can hopefully contribute my 2 cents towards someone else that needs help.

It can be so frustrating knowing that you want to succeed at something, and are willing to "do the work", but don't have anyone along side of you to show you the ropes, or call for HELP

Thanks again,

Sally

[Chips_Away_Windshield_Repair]

Sallyu,

really sorry for tardy response. We have had a busy month on the road , 'putor cratered so we stop at local libraries in small towns only to check mail.
Yes, Lynx and Safelite work weekends.

As far as approval goes today I guess maght be a good example as to how well it usually goes.
An owner of a Freightliner truck (big big big) had several chips.
GMAC insaurance.

I gave the truck owner my invoice showing three repairs----$70.00. Told him to call the GMAC Lynx number we have programed in our phone (but on his phone)

Told him to tell Lynx that I, Bill Boone, am doing the work and don't want to be interupeted, I accept their payment of $70.00. The customer gave them our phone number in Tomball, right away they said "Fine, here is their auhorization number"
That is about it.
Good luck Maybe we can get together when we get back in Oct.
We heard today it is pretty wet in Hou.

Jeff at Delta can give you our phone number for Chips Away

By the way everyone, the last two days in Colorado Springs area I have seen some of the worst attempts ever. A guy sets up in a super mkt. parking lot doing three to five minute screw-ups, taking $40.00 cash for two or three stars, turns around and bill ins. for $80.00

[scratchy]

I am going to through a monkey wrench in this I think. I do 50% of my business on weekends and more than 50% of that is insurance. Where ACT shines is getting later approval for the jobs when the insurance companies are not answering the phone! It happens alot. I am soon going to switch to doing my own processing during the week for the reduced rate of 6.95 per claim and then leave the toughies I get late Saturday and Sunday for ACT to work out at full price of $15 per claim. I think ACT is great to get anyone ramped up througout the first year, it should not be overlooked.

[lakosbo]

Told him to call the GMAC Lynx number we have programed in our phone (but on his phone.
That is about it.

I, too, am a newbie with no wsr's yet. Where do you get the numbers from to program them in your phone beforehand? Are they from previous jobs?

By the way, I have learned alot here. Thanks to you all.

[paintlessplus]

I usually have the cust. call the claim number on the back of their ins. card. The claim is reported and usually transfered to the network- I'll get on the phone with the network to give my info and get a referal number. Go to http://www.deltakits.com/insurance.htm for a list of numbers and addresses GREAT info -print it-laminate it and put it in a folder for fast and handy future reference. Good luck and welcome aboard Bob