I just started doing insurance defense 3 months ago. A few of my billing entries have been cut. I feel very bad. Does anybody have any tips for writing better time entries?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Feel free to DM for specifics. Been doing it almost 5 years now. Don’t feel bad, the robots will continue cutting your time for as long as you’re doing ID, appeals are natural.

like

It’s a cat and mouse game that even the most experienced attorneys get caught up in. If it’s legitimate time, find a way to bill it another way. What was cut? Cut by a partner or cut by a client?

like

In your entries include who the communication was to/from and substantively why it required a lawyer (and not a paralegal) to perform. That’s the key to avoiding carrier reductions. For example, a paralegal cannot determine what information is privileged in a disclosure or develop a strategy for defense. There are things that attorneys are required to do ethically and if a paralegal had done it it would’ve been the unauthorized practice of law. That’s what needs to be conveyed in the entry. When preparing your entries think like an outside vendor bill cutter who gets paid a commission just to cut your entries. Ie if there’s anyway they can argue that task could’ve been done by a paralegal they will. Make sure your entry it’s clear enough to avoid that. Hope that helps. 

like

Ask your supervisor to review his/her billing entries. Reviewing other people’s entries will be helpful. Don’t feel bad- learning how to bill and how to phrase your entry is an integral part of ID and it takes time. That said, your supervisor isn’t doing a good job if he/she is not providing feedback when cutting your entries.

like

First, don’t sweat it. Insurance companies audit their legal bills to death and even partners get their time cut. I just started at a new firm in January, doing insurance coverage and defense, and a couple weeks ago found out that my very first substantive entry was cut from 9.2 hours down to 2.0. We appealed and I’ve since learned better timekeeping practices for insurance clients, but I definitely understand feeling bad about it.

In terms of practical tips: write entries for the substantive work you’re doing in the basic format of “specific activity—purpose of that specific activity—how that translates into deliverable or value to the client.” Something like, “research case law regarding whether X constitutes ‘direct physical loss or damage’ in [state] to asses insured’s claim for X in preparation for drafting coverage opinion.”

Communication entries are tricky. Oftentimes insurers only pay for the most senior biller’s entry for emails and conference calls, even with the client on the call, so generally, you want to roll that time into the substantive entry.

like

All the advice you’ve already been given is spot on, OP. I’m just piggy-backing off A2 to add that whenever you draft a billing entry for correspondence (like drafting a letter to a client - this doesn’t *really* apply for emails), if you need to bill more than a .1, write your billing entry as follows:

“DRAFT MULTIPAGE CORRESPONDENCE TO X REGARDING Y”

from there, you can add more detail as to whether the letter was necessary in preparation for a next step, or for continued analysis and investigation of the claim, etc.

Long story short, “multipage” will typically get you past the billing bottom-feeders for longer correspondence-type entries.

like

Related Posts

I am a Nurse Practitioner, with experience in primary care and oncology. I am looking to leave direct patient care and hoping to find a role either in administration, as a health ethnographer or maybe even in education (with a pharmaceutical company). Anyone know of any job openings like this? Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

like

Anyone have feedback on in house attorney positions with Mercury Insurance?

like

Need help here,
Due to health issues I resigned from paytm in just 2 months.
5.2 lpa was the CTC.
Which skill i can learn that lead me for a higher package.
Total YoE : 3.5 years
Knowledge: SQL, Clevertap(basics), Digital Marketing

please help me here

like

I'm SVP/strategy for a PR agency. I moved into PR, Healthcare, and Strategic Planning only 3 years ago. An agency recruiter is trying to convince me to move into a GSVP account role, assuring me "at that level it's all strategy." (I dont think she understands the words she's using. Or that I'm qualified). But long-term, knowing account roles are so much more plentiful than brand planning in PR, I'm wondering if I should start thinking about account. Anyone here moved from strategy to account?

like

I think that I have eating disorder. I am always hungry but when I get food I can’t finish it, usually I am done after 2-3 bites and then I am hungry again after an hour. Anyone has similar issues? Have you been to a nutritionist or dietitian? If yes, is it covered by Insurance?

likehelpful

What kind of roles do you guys recommend for a pharmacist trying to pivot into pharma? Where can you go to see all the different types of roles available? I graduated with my PharmD in 2019 and I did a managed care residency and am now at a healthcare startup so my background is primarily on the health plan/digital health side

like

Can anyone help me with the details of employee insurance and benifits in NT.. also, what is the notice period of a Senior Consultant in NT?

like

Anyone here diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis)?? What’re you doing to improve your gum & general oral health? Any recs for toothpaste / mouth wash? Thank you!

like

Can someone let us know about leave and insurance policy in detail 🙂

like

I work in sales as a coordinator and do a bunch of paperwork with customers online. I LOVE PEOPLE but dread going to work everyday (wfh 3x a week) because the environment is toxic. I just found out that the only positive manager on my team is leaving. I am spiraling. I have a BS in Health Science (no chemistry classes taken and minimal biology education). Where are people happy in their careers? What careers are best for young women with ADHD? Who’s hiring?

like

I am a Product owner and certified SAFe Product manager. Current organisation doesn’t have PM opportunities. Can I get a break in Product Management while switching to another company? Oh yes, I’m also an Insurance ( P&C ) expert. 11 yoe

like

Hi all I’m a certified Project manager and Scrum Master with 8+ years of healthcare experience and 3 plus years in Tech as a product manager with some 5 years in service designing. I really need a well compensating remote evening/ night shift position pls can anyone help or refer me? Thank you!

like

Anyone work for Ensemble Health? How much do they pay for the Credit Balance Specialist role?

like
like

Does anyone have a recommendation for a primary care doctor in the western suburbs or Denver area?
I’m a male in my late 20s and am generally pretty healthy but responsiveness to mental health concerns is a big plus!

likehelpful

My company IPG, IPG health/ FCB health is hiring, if you’re interested, curious, need a referral. Please DM me and I’ll be happy to assist :)

like

Healthcare consulting practice. Deloitte vs Accenture vs other players. Thoughts on who has the best practice overall?

And any insight/who has the best practice in the provider space specifically?

like

How does everyone cope with the quilt of leaving a job even though it’s best for you?
My job is understaffed and I feel like I’ll be leaving them down even though my mental health can’t take it anymore.

like

There’s no reason you have to put up with a job you hate. I spent many years working in a toxic environment with a boss who gossiped and lead through fear. He wasn’t really much of a leader but basically a foreman. And he could make my existence miserable. I admit that it wasn’t easy to find another job but the bottom line is: trust your guts. If you feel something is wrong it’s because it probably is. Don’t second guess yourself. Look for options and and fight for your mental health.

likeupliftingsmart

What are your thoughts on those who refuse to wear cloth masks as a healthcare professional?

like

More Posts

I’ve been negotiating a settlement on behalf of a client. OP is a major corp. we’ve gone back and forth for months, almost a year. Finally came to a final agreement and we’re reviewing for final signature. Then client is reviewing and decides they want something else modified. It’s a point of contention. OP has said no. Should I communicate this to client before pushing back against OP’s rejection of the mod?

like

Hi Fishes
I have an offer from GlobalLogic , can anyone please share reviews of this organization .
Thanks

Acne anyone refer me for purchasing / procurement roles in Netherlands? Looking for FMCG, manufacturing, pharmaceutical companies. YoE 7 years.

like

Did anyone hate wedding planning? I’m constantly considering cancelling the wedding cuz I honestly can’t believe how much drama it’s causing with all family members.......

like

Getting about $2200 back from Federal and $1300 back from NY State. Claimed 2 for both last year and having 2nd kid this year. Should I bump to 3 or keep as is?

What is avg package for principal soft ware engineer in fidelity any details would help ?

like

Awww, thanks so much!

Post Photo
likefunny

Fishes, need ur suggestion on my relocation rqst frm BLR to LKO due to medical reasn already verified by the HRBP a year ago. Have 9 YOE, 2 in TCS. Had several individual & 5 joint discussions with HRs and project mgmt upto Dlvry Prtnr. Follow up mails copying Sub ISU (RMG,HR & Unit) Heads. Every time I was given a new date (3 mnth) for discussion, giving reason project not in a stable condition & ban on release from Unit Head. Both location RMG approvd, supervisor rejectd rqst on GESS. pls hlp

like

Help: good place to take a call in midtown near Bryant Park area? Left office keys at home, and am already on my way there 😰

like

Recommendations for residential craftsman? Want to build a floor to ceiling shelving but have baseboard heating.

Post Photo
like

Hi folks,

I wanted to to know the in-hand salary for the CTC 16 lpa in which 14.5 is fixed. company is wipro.

With the pf and home loan exempt and tax deduction what will be in hand amount?
Anyone who can calculate or whoever is receiving the similar amount can help?

like

I have worked as a counselor in private practice with a master's level degree. Finishing my Psy.D. dissertation. Looking for a licensed psychologist to sign off on my clinical hours. Anyone willing to work with me remotely for TX licensure? I am willing to pay for the supervision hours.

like

Any administrative assistants currently working at Molina healthcare right now??
I have questions…

like

Dialysis nurse (chronic) here for 12 years. Trying to apply to a different company to get a raise. Living in Sarasota, fl. What should be a reasonable pay?

like

Anyone from intelligent automation or RPA Team got their hike?

like

What's it like to buy a new car in Dubai? Financing available?

like

Second year associate looking to switch into transactional practice for a few years.
Which transactional practices have the worst and best non-law exit options (strategy, ops)? I understand M&A is the best, but how about debt finance? Fund finance? Aircraft finance? Thank you!

likehelpful

Anyone got a lasik surgery in the Atlanta metro area in the last few years? I am thinking of getting one and interested in knowing more about where to get it from, your experience and other feedback. Thank you.

like

Anybody here at Barclays Corporate Banking in NYC? Need advice and numbers..

like

How do you deal with not getting the desired output from somebody working under you? I think I’ve given enough examples and direction but the work still isn’t where I need it.

like

Additional Posts in Insurance Litigation

Can you mess up taking a deposition? I walkways feel like I don’t know what I’m doing when taking a dep.

like

What does your opposing counsel do that pushes you over the top and just makes you want to settle the case? (Plaintiff and defense answers welcome). Mine: requesting 15 depositions of people that will never be called at trial.

like

Does anyone know if an expert is required to prove Plaintiff’s economic damages (loss of earnings) in a personal injury suit in Texas?

like

Covid-19 coverage: what are you seeing? Where are we headed?

like

I am inquiring about a patient account coordinators salary. It seems I am asking way above average salary due to current position and experience I bring as well as education. Can someone give a number for this position and suggestions for negotiating pay to make what I’m worth.

Anyone have any experience with ID firms in Massachusetts? I’m looking for a civil litigation position to gain some experience.

Feelings in general on Reminger and comp?

like

What are all of you second and third year ID attorneys making? 🤔

Adjusters:

What are you considering when assigning cases to firms in the defense panel. I’m a 2nd year associate at a national ID firm (~300 attorneys) and want to create rapport with claim managers I’m currently working with. Any advice?

Alternatively, is there something that will cause you not to assign cases to particular firm?

Post Photo
likefunny

Hello. I currently work at Cigna (specifically express scripts PBM). I am looking to move to a similar company working in operations/ product management roles. Does anyone have open positions or suggests on which companies to apply to?

like

Serious question: I know I am an attorney but this so outside my area. I was rear ended about a year ago and I need to either settle with the insurance company or sue them. Could someone provide some guidance? I really really need some help with this

like

Does anyone have any insight into attorney salaries at the Hartford in NYC?

like

Anyone done work at/with USAA? Was contacted about contract subro role. Decent salary jump but want to make sure it won’t make me want to tear my hair out.

likefunny

Happy Monday All!


St. louis or Kansas City attorneys looking for help resolving your clients property claim.

Shoot me a message!

Let’s talk!

Mission Consulting & Estimating LLC

Post Photo
like

Does anyone know of a firm looking for a mid to senior level insurance recovery associate in the Cleveland/NY/DC triangle (including remote positions)? I'm considering a move.

like

Have an offer to move from senior associate to NEP role at insurance defense (toxic tort mainly) firm in Chicago. Base salary $175,000 - fair base compensation in current market or below market value?

like

Anyone who currently works or has worked at Baker McEvoy (in NY)? If so, can we chat? Thanks in advance

like

Is life insurance a priority to anyone at the moment, and if so why is life insurance important to you?

It can be impossible to deal with financial losses due to declining health or unforeseen circumstances by not having life insurance. In these cases, the solution to your debts (that can affect the financial stability of you or your loved ones) may fall within the category of life insurance.

Post Photo
like

My firm typically does insurance defense, but we take plaintiffs cases here and there. Is it typical that work done by associates on contingency cases isn’t counted toward their billable hour requirements unless and until we receive our fee on the case? This is my first experience with this, but it’s hard for me to reach my hours as is, without spending time on non billable cases like this with no assurance that I’ll see billable credit at the end.

like

Anyone have any resources (online) for settling claims wish Medicare liens? Looking for ways to resolve early while ensuring potential lien is preserved.

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal