Best Practices for Efficient Claims Management: An Interview with Matthew Mwenda
I recently spoke with Matthew Mwenda, Claims Officer and Digital Marketing Coordinator at Mother and Child Hospital, to get his take on the best practices for efficient claims management. Here’s what you can take away from the conversation.
- Organize Your Documentation
One of the biggest problems in claims management is missing or incomplete paperwork. Matthew pointed out that claims often get stuck because of this. Always submit claims with the right documents, like medical records and invoices.
Tip: Make a checklist before submitting a claim. It’s quicker than dealing with delays later.
- Understand Your Coverage
Matthew stressed that many delays happen because people don’t know what their policy covers. Claims are rejected when they don’t match what the insurance will actually pay for.
Tip: Read your policy and ask questions if you’re unsure about coverage or exclusions.
- Communicate Clearly
Good communication helps avoid problems. Matthew said claims move faster when everyone stays in touch—whether it’s clients, providers, or insurers. Poor communication leads to confusion and slows down the process.
Tip: Don’t wait for updates. Follow up regularly on your claims and ask questions when needed.
- Balance Speed and Accuracy
Rushing through claims can cause mistakes, but taking too long also causes frustration. Matthew’s approach is to strike a balance by focusing on both speed and accuracy.
Tip: Use tools like claims management software to speed things up without sacrificing detail.
- Keep Your Cool
Matthew admits that claims management isn’t always smooth. Mistakes happen, and the process can get stressful. But staying calm and patient helps work through the challenges.
Tip: When things get complicated, step back and handle one problem at a time.
- Leverage Technology
According to Matthew, using the right tools makes claims management easier. Automation reduces human errors and saves time by streamlining tasks like claim submissions.
Tip: Invest in digital tools that help manage claims more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Matthew made it clear that efficient claims management isn’t complicated. It’s about being organized, staying informed, and communicating well. If you keep these tips in mind, your claims process will go much more smoothly.
