Access Management
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Some Big Revenue Cycle Changes Are Here to Stay
For patient access, some changes with COVID-19 are just temporary. Others probably are going to be permanent. Read on to learn about some new practices with long-term implications for revenue cycle operations.
Auth Requirements Are Relaxed During COVID-19 Crisis — Or Are They?
Relaxed authorization requirements sounds like great news. However, payers are vague on the specifics. For this reason, some patient access leaders are erring on the side of caution and continuing to secure all authorizations per usual protocol.
‘Top-to-Top’ Approach Needed on Relaxed Rules
Many health plans are waiving authorizations for specific diagnostic testing or services. Clarity is needed on what exactly the waivers mean in specific cases.
Waived Cost-Sharing Is Questionable Help to Hospitals
Hospitals may not charge patients with any type of insurance cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and related services, according to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This will certainly help patients. For hospitals, it probably means more lost revenue.
CARES Act Offers Mix of Relief, Confusion for Struggling Hospitals
A $100 billion injection of relief funding for certain hospitals and other healthcare providers is just what the doctor ordered. However, for others, the money they will receive does not come close to addressing the shortfalls they are experiencing.
Patients Present as Self-Pay, but Leave With Coverage
Patient access departments are helping self-pay patients in multiple ways.
Handle Early-morning Volume Surges at Surgical Registration
Cross-training in patient access at Albany Medical Center prevents early-morning delays at surgical check-in, helps with sudden volume surges in the ED, and provides other benefits.
ED Registrars Work to Change Perceptions
ED registrars face competing priorities. First and foremost, they have to be certain they aren’t violating Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requirements.
Novel Registrar-led Initiative Collected $674,000 in a Month
Novant Health’s patient access department was falling short of its collection goals until a task force got an enthusiastic team member involved in the initiative. This resulted in record collections of $674,000 in one month.
Fast Food or Retail Background, and a Great Attitude? Employee May Be Perfect for Patient Access
Patient access leaders are recruiting new hires from nontraditional backgrounds such as retail and food service, searching for strong customer service skills. Important attributes include having a friendly demeanor, apologizing for long waits without being told, and remaining cheerful in difficult situations.