A collision billing service launched in July 2011 says it will track what was paid or not paid on collision repair jobs in its own claims database in order to get collision repair facilities paid properly for procedures that are typically denied by insurers or labeled as "included."
Collision Billing Services (CBS) says it will act as an extension of a collision repair facility’s office staff. The shop writes the estimate and submits it to CBS with the insurance company’s original estimate. They recreate the estimate in the insurer’s native platform, add all the additional operations, materials, etc., that should be on the estimate, and then submit it to the insurer on the shop’s behalf.
In addition, CBS will discuss all additional items on the estimate and schedule appointments for follow-up reinspections.
"Too often, we hear of situations in which an insurer flatly refuses to pay reasonable rates or for activities that the professional repairer has determined to be necessary for the safe and proper repair of a customer’s vehicle,” says E. L. Eversman, CBS partner/counsel. “In the current economic times, many consumers simply cannot afford to pay for those repairs themselves and/or take their insurers to court for reimbursement. Insurers know this and engage in what we believe are predatory practices to avoid paying a claim in full. This means that the consumer does not receive a proper repair of the damaged vehicle, or the collision repairer is not fully paid for all of the work performed. Either way, the outcome is unacceptable."
Rick Finney, owner of Finney Automotive in Cadiz, Ohio, provided a testimonial for the company.
"I’m getting paid for more operations, getting my labor rates on more
jobs, and the adjusters are actually calling and setting appointments for
re-inspections," Finney says. "In less than 14 days, they were able to accomplish
things that I’ve been fighting to get for over 14 years."
The president of the company is Chuck Gosney, who has more than 20 years of experience in the collision industry, including 17-plus years with ADP and Audatex. Vice president is Ross Devereaux, who touts more than 20 years working with body shops and 30 years in public accounting.
CBS is also looking for “directors” who would be responsible for offering feedback to CBS on what needs to be immediately addressed in their particular marketplace, signing up shops in their local area and serving as a general representative of CBS at local events. In return, CBS directors will receive compensation for each shop they sign up and the opportunity to become an “ambassador” for CBS, which will increase their compensation and give them a chance to become a member of the CBS Advisory Board.
“With your help, we will take back control of this industry,” says the CBS team. “We have the tools, the personnel and most importantly the law on our side. So be assured that we’re serious about what we’re doing and will make a profound impact on this industry in six months if people like yourselves step up to the plate and lead this change.”
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