How each step in a medical practice's process needs to align with eTIMS and eTIMS compliance.
From appointment scheduling and patient interactions to billing for tests, in-patient care, locum doctors, and referrals.
eTIMS compliance can be challenging for many businesses, including those in the medical industry. To help navigate this process, we provide a detailed, step-by-step guide for achieving compliance within medical practices.
Medical procedure 01
Appointment scheduling- This is whereby the patient is scheduled to attend a hospital visit at a specific period to see a doctor, other than instances of medical emergencies
eTIMS requirement
No billing or invoicing required thus no applicability of eTIMS
Medical procedure 02
First interaction when visiting the medical facility- Upon visiting a medical facility, the patient would be required to provide their details including payment methods i.e. cash/mpesa/card or insurance. If the patient is covered by insurance, the hospital confirms insurance cover and authorization processes if required. If approved, the medical facility proceeds to raise an invoice signed off by the patient. If the patient is not covered by insurance and is paying out of pocket, the hospital processes the medical consultation fee and raises an invoice.
eTIMS requirement
If the patient is covered by an insurance company, the hospital should raise an eTIMS compliant invoice against the PIN of the insurance company.
If the patient is paying out of pocket, the medical facility should raise an eTIMS compliant invoice against the PIN of the patient or entity covering the costs.
Medical procedure 03
Requirements for additional tests and processes-In the event the patient requires to undertake additional tests (e.g. laboratory tests), scans and procedure, medical facilities will bill the patient in advance
eTIMS requirement
The medical facility is required to raise eTIMS compliant invoices for each test, scan or procedure in favour of the individual or entity covering the costs i.e. patient or insurance company.
Medical procedure 04
In-patient-Where a patient is hospitalised and in the care of the medical facility, the billing process will be dependent on their internal processes.
eTIMS requirement
The medical facility is required to raise eTIMS compliant invoices at every interval in favour of the individual or entity covering the costs.
Other issues affecting the medical practice
Locum doctors- Locum doctors are persons in the medical industry temporarily who fills in for another physician in the medical facility. Recent case law indicates that these locum doctors are considered as consultants and not employees.
eTIMS requirement for Locum doctors
Referrals- Some medical facilities and doctors have a referral mechanism which leads to commissions being paid for the referrals
eTIMS requirement for referrals
eTIMS assists taxpayers to keep track of their expenses and revenue and will assist to ensure all expenses that are deductible are to arrive at the tax profit at the end of the year.
eTIMS enhances tax compliance
eTIMS promotes simplified return filing for taxpayers
eTIMS allows taxpayers to maintain a record of invoices issued on the taxpayer’s portal
Found this helpful? Here’s how we can assist you!
Compliance with eTIMS compliance requirements in the medical field is highly recommended to align with the evolving regulatory landscape.
Our team is ready and eager to assist with the seamless integration and adoption of eTIMS as an approved eTIMS integrator ensuring a smooth transition for you and your institution enabling you to meet the latest legal requirements.
Contact us today for further assistance. Email us at info@namiri.tech or call or Whatsapp 0112685368. To sign up, visit digitax.tech to get started.
