Managing cash flow is a critical aspect of running a successful restoration company. However, the process of getting paid for your mitigation work can often be challenging and time-consuming, potentially affecting your ability to meet payroll and cover overhead costs. One Claim Solution is going to delve into the factors that can impact the time it takes to receive your first payment and provide actionable strategies to help you decrease delays and improve your cash flow.
Maintaining a healthy cash flow is vital for the success of any small business. Delays or inefficiencies in your billing process can have serious consequences, jeopardizing the financial stability and progress of your business.
According to Jeremy Traasdahl, Co-owner of One Claim Solution, having hiccups in terms of the timeliness of your billing can delay results up to a month or two later.
“What people don’t always consider when they’re falling behind due to being busy is that oftentimes, their expenses are going up,” Jeremy said. “But if you’re on top of your billing, you’ll know that your cash flow will be going down at the same time that you’re spending a lot of money.”
Streamline Documentation Processes:
Accurate and complete documentation is essential for efficient claims processing. Insurance carriers require detailed records that justify the work performed and the associated costs. By implementing streamlined documentation processes within your company, you can ensure that all necessary information is captured promptly and accurately. This includes documenting the scope of work, itemized expenses, photographs, and any additional supporting documents. Failing to implement clear, timely communication with adjusters when they reach out can result in your invoice moving to the bottom of the queue. By providing clear and well-organized documentation, you can expedite the claims review process and reduce payment delays.
According to Jeremy, having the paperwork and documentation process handled properly should not be an overwhelming task for individuals on a regular basis. However, if there’s a persistent lack of a streamlined process that calls for extensive coordination among multiple individuals to complete a job, it may be best to reconsider the current approach.
“First, look at your process to see how you can streamline it. It’s similar to when Ford adopted the assembly line approach to building cars,” Jeremy said. “We have to have an assembly line for processing claims so not one person is trying to pull all the documents together. It should just run through a system.”
Timely Submission of Invoices:
Prompt submission of invoices is crucial for minimizing delays in receiving payment. Establish a well-defined invoicing process within your company to ensure that invoices are generated and submitted promptly upon completion of the mitigation work. Set clear deadlines for internal documentation review, approval, and submission. By consistently adhering to a timeline, you increase the chances of your invoice being processed promptly, reducing the overall time to payment.
Finding The Right People For Your Team:
According to Jeremy, there are three pain points that contractors generally face: Cash flow, dealing with insurance adjusters and finding the right personnel.
“The first two pain points can be handled with an insurance billing specialist like One Claim Solution,” Jeremy said. “For the third, there’s a lot of staffing agencies that you can use.”
Jeremy also emphasizes the importance of continuously hiring, and investing in building a skilled and reliable team that can meet the demands of their projects. By addressing these pain points head-on and utilizing the available resources, contractors can enhance their efficiency, financial stability, and overall success.
While waiting for payment can be a challenge for restoration companies, there are proactive steps you can take to accelerate your days to the first payment and improve your cash flow. By implementing streamlined documentation processes and ensuring timely submission of invoices, you can significantly reduce payment delays. To learn more about strategies that empower you to maintain a healthy cash flow, be sure to subscribe to One Claim Solution’s newsletter.