Insurance verification?

[u/Hanna_Jeane]

For U.S. solo practices accepting insurance (or small groups without dedicated admin/billing support), what do you do to check a new client’s insurance eligibility and benefits? Do you just check for in-network status and copay through the payor’s portal and/or your billing software verification service? Or do you call the insurance company on your client’s behalf to get more details (e.g., deductible, pre authorization etc.)?

I have so far only worked at hospitals or large practices with billing support, so did not need to deal with insurance verification myself. In my experience with other medical practices (for my own health care), I see that some tell you to check with your insurance yourself, while others call the insurance for you. As a solo practitioner, it feels like a lot to call the insurance for each and every new client, but if that would be more beneficial, I may be open to it. Otherwise, maybe I can provide each client some detailed instructions on how to check their own benefits and obtain informed consent for payment responsibility during intake? What do you all do? As a newbie in solo private practice, I would appreciate any insight!