Collections have soared at North Chesapeake, VA-based Chesapeake Regional Healthcare since a monthly incentive program was added.
“Incentives have been a driving force for the success of the program,” reports patient access director Melissa A. Salyer, CRCR. Staff can obtain monthly incentives of up to $400 a month. These are based on departmental, unit, and individual cash goals.
“Incentives are also extended to the scheduling staff,” adds Salyer. These are based on how many patients are scheduled per hour.
Staff members earn the payout monthly, and the payout is distributed quarterly.
“The payout last quarter was $14,800,” says Salyer.
Registrars receive these payouts:
- $75 if they collect between $3,000 and $7,999 per month;
- $150 if they collect between $8,000 and $12,999 per month;
- $200 if they collect between $13,000 and $17,999 per month;
- $300 if they collect between $18,000 and $22,999 per month;
- $400 if they collect $23,000 and above per month.
Schedulers meet these requirements to receive payouts:
- $75 for 6-6.9 scheduled visits per hour;
- $150 for 7-9.9 scheduled visits per hour;
- $200 for 10-12.9 scheduled visits per hour;
- $300 for 13-15.9 scheduled visits per hour;
- $400 for 16 or more scheduled visits per hour.
More efficient scheduling of accounts improves the hospital’s bottom line.
“It results in a cleaner, earlier pre-registration,” says Salyer. Even if staff don’t obtain incentive levels, they are recognized at their reviews for meeting or exceeding departmental goals.
Patient access managers at The Cooper Health System in Camden, NJ, recognize top collectors every week with gift cards or movie tickets.
“An email spotlighting the employee is sent to all of their co-workers,” adds Pamela Konowall, CHAM, assistant director of healthcare access.