Lucy Zielinski
James Valek

The Employed Physician Revenue Cycle 

Asking the following questions can help healthcare leaders evaluate the revenue cycle strengths and weaknesses of employed physician practices.

Scheduling 

• Does the practice verify insurance info (using batch eligibility) prior to appointments?
• Are the patients informed of payment expectations prior to arrival for their appointment?

Registration/Check-in 

• Is the staff trained to collect co-pays, deductibles and past-due balances at check-in?
• Does the practice have a written financial policy that is provided to all patients?

Coding 

• Does the practice verify coverage for specific services?
• Does the practice update procedure and diagnosis codes annually, as well as perform a coding audit?

Charge Capture/Claim Submission 

• Does the practice capture 100% of office and hospital charges?
• What is the lag time from date of service to date of claim submission?
• Are claims submitted daily?

Cash Application 

• Does the practice use electronic funds transfers (EFTs) and electronic remittance advices (ERAs)?
• Does the practice load payer allowables and track payment variances?

Denial Processing 

• Does the practice track denials?
• Does the practice monitor write-offs and have an appeals process?

Accounts Receivable Follow-up 

• Does the practice follow up on all outstanding balances: payer and patient?
• Does the practice have a dashboard report that is reviewed monthly and compared to industry standards?

Source: Health Directions

Lucy Zielinski is vice president of Health Directions, LLC, Chicago (lzielinski@healthdirections.com).

James Valek, MD, is founder of LCMH-Vista Family Medicine, Chicago (jvalek10140@gmail.com).

Publication Date: Thursday, December 01, 2011