Hospital Access Management – February 1, 2014
February 1, 2014
View Issues
-
"Flex up" staffing while staying budget-neutral with cross-training
By cross-training registrars, patient access departments can supplement staffing as needed while staying budget-neutral. Patient access leaders report decreased call volumes, better patient satisfaction, and improved morale. -
Hospital registrars now do scheduling
-
Access should be flexible with staffing solutions
Don't let your department be shortchanged -
Registrars given a goal, collections rise by 79%
Patient access leaders at Lake Forest (IL) Hospital increased collections by 79% and have set a goal to increase collections by another 10% in 2014. -
Set the stage for collections
Collection is "more than just asking." -
Get all registrars CHAA-certified
A growing number of patient access managers are encouraging registrars to get professional certification to promote professionalism and improve retention. -
Help staff members to pass CHAA exam
2014 Certification Update -
Turnover is cut by 15% with ladders
-
Access departments lack collection tools
Patient access leaders at Ochsner Medical Center increased monthly collections by $22,000 after implementing a price estimation tool. -
Collection goal doubled for 2014
The total amount of patients' out-of-pocket responsibility is about $140 million annually at Cincinnati (OH) Children's Hospital Medical Center, but less than half of this amount is collected upfront. -
Revamp processes for computer downtime
Patient access needs good processes for computer downtime to avoid incorrect data, claims denials, and protracted recovery periods. -
Catastrophic plan option OK'd for select group
-
Hospitals concerned about final pay rules
-
HRA: HIPAA enforcement is increasing, and industry experts expect scrutiny in 2014
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is enforcing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) vigorously, and the push is likely to continue. -
HRA: HITECH led to current enforcement push
-
HRA: Compliance program must be strong
A dermatology practice recently settled allegations of privacy law violations for $150,000. The fine and other sanctions appear to be the result of systematic failures in the compliance program rather than the breach itself. -
HRA: 7 most common failures in compliance programs
-
HRA: OCR not auditing enough providers, OIG say