HFMA launches new Executive Councils for patient access and pharmacy revenue cycle leaders

When you organize a meetup for patient access professionals at HFMA’s annual conference and you find it is standing room only, you know you have discovered a member need.

That’s what happened when nearly 30 patient access attendees showed up for an informal meet-up hosted by HFMA’s Executive Councils team. The team then invited those gathered to join HFMA’s new council of Patient Access Leaders (CPAL).

That’s just one of the ways HFMA has been inspired to set up a new executive council for members. Another is a response to growth in pharmacy payment programs, where many healthcare organizations have created a new dedicated role for pharmacy revenue cycle professionals.

This development prompted HFMA to launch the Pharmacy Revenue Cycle Leadership Council (PRCLC) in September 2025.

What CPAL offers members

CPAL convenes to discuss innovative patient access approaches, benchmarks and new technologies within hospitals, health systems, physician practices and ambulatory surgical centers. The member-driven format ensures that CPAL participants get their most pressing topics covered while engaging in in-person meetings, group dinners and webinars.

There was a healthy CPAL member roster just from the turnout at the conference. Today, the CPAL has now tripled in size to almost 90 members.

The council has also welcomed a sponsor, Waystar, to provide thought leadership and support for in-person and virtual meetings. The first in-person meeting was scheduled for March 18, 2026, in conjunction with HFMA’s revenue cycle conference.

“As key revenue cycle functions increasingly begin at the front door of care, elevating the strategic and operational support, resources and recognition for patient access isn’t optional — it’s essential,” said Shawn Stack, HFMA’s director of knowledge and professional practice.

Pharmacy revenue cycle growth reflected in new council

The PRCLC group is also making the most of its member-driven format. With pharmacy revenue cycle leaders being a recent addition to healthcare finance teams, PRCLC’s goals are to elevate the standards of pharmacy revenue cycle management by fostering innovation and establishing best practices.

Topics recently covered included managing claim denials and bridging the gaps between non-pharmacy revenue cycle functions.

The PRCLC steering group has issued the following statement: “Pharmacy revenue cycle has long operated at the intersection of clinical care and financial performance. This new group formalizes that intersection — uniting leaders who recognize the expanding impact, understand the nuances of this niche work and are committed to advancing it as a strategic function within health systems.”

HFMA Executive Councils appoint a member steering group to lead content development, new member recruitment and strategic direction.

The PRCLC steering committee members are the founders of the original pharmacy revenue cycle group: Felix Lam, director of pharmacy business services, University of Kentucky; Kristine Crawford, senior director, clinical revenue integrity, HonorHealth; Sree Gangavarapu, healthcare strategist and consultant and, most recently, former pharmacy revenue cycle management leader, Henry Ford Health; and Bradley Bruce, assistant vice president, HCA Healthcare.

“Although the core group of PRCLC members have been meeting prior to the launch of the council, their new HFMA executive council allows them to expand and develop a national network of peers and take advantage of thought leadership provided by the council sponsor, The Craneware Group,” said Todd Nelson, HFMA’s director of healthcare policy and mission alignment.

Craneware works alongside the PRCLC steering group and the HFMA team to share its pharmacy revenue cycle expertise, offering content and support for council activities.

Find out more

Both councils also have a dedicated, private community group where they can engage in online conversations to foster connection and information sharing between meetings.

Contact Marjorie Clare, executive relations and recruitment manager, for more information on HFMA Executive Councils at [email protected], or visit the HFMA Executive Councils membership page.