Education session at Global Health Exhibition offers learners wide array of healthcare finance and RCM topics

HFMA recently spoke with Ahmed Emad Al-Hamalawy, executive director, at Selat, the parent company of NAWA. NAWA is the exclusive sponsor of a one-day education training at the Global Health Exhibition (GHE) in Riyadh on Oct. 31. Al-Hamalawy is one of the instructors for the education session, and he shared the topics he will cover as well as key skills for revenue cycle professionals. Other speakers are Hefin Jones, clinical cost director, National Casemix Center of Excellence, Saudi Arabia, and HFMA’s Mary Mirabelli, senior VP of corporate strategy. GHE attendees may register for the one-day training free of charge.

HFMA: What revenue cycle strategies and processes are most important to Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Healthcare Transformation?

Ahmed Emad Al-Hamalawy: Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic plan initiated by the Saudi Arabian government to diversify the country’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil. In the context of healthcare, several revenue cycle strategies and processes are important for the success of Saudi Vision 2030 and its healthcare transformation goals. Here are some key areas:

• Electronic health records implementation
• Integration and interoperability
• Patient engagement and self-service
• Revenue integrity and compliance
• Data analytics and performance monitoring
• Continuous process improvement
• Training and education

By implementing these revenue cycle strategies and processes, Saudi Arabia can improve the efficiency, accuracy and financial performance of its healthcare system, contributing to a thriving economy and the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

HFMA: What revenue cycle managment topics can GHE attendees expect at the one-day educational session on Oct. 31?

Al-Hamalawy: During this healthcare revenue cycle management one-day education session, we will cover the following topics:

Introduction to revenue cycle management. This section provides an overview of the healthcare revenue cycle, its importance and the role of revenue cycle management in healthcare organizations.

Coding and documentation. This section delves into medical coding systems and the importance of accurate and complete documentation for proper coding. It may include discussions on coding guidelines, documentation requirements and the impact of coding on reimbursement.

Insurance follow-up and denials management. This segment focuses on managing insurance denials and the appeals process. It covers tactics for identifying and resolving claim denials, strategies for effective follow-up with payers and techniques to minimize denials in the future.

Revenue cycle analytics and performance monitoring. This section introduces students to key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics used in revenue cycle management. It may cover data analysis techniques, revenue cycle reporting and strategies for improving revenue cycle performance.

Emerging trends and technologies: This section explores the latest trends and technologies in healthcare revenue cycle management, such as electronic health records, revenue cycle management software, artificial intelligence and automation.

I am honored to be teaching with my healthcare finance colleagues, Mary Mirabelli, HFMA’s senior VP of corporate strategy, and Hefin Jones, director, National Center for Case Mix, Ministry of Health. They will be covering value in health, clinical costing and overall healthcare finance concepts.

Other healthcare finance topics covered by instructors during the one-day education session include value-based care, the importance of costing, and casemix and risk adjustments.

HFMA: What skills or traits do you see in some of the most promising revenue cycle professionals that you encounter in your training and consulting?

Al-Hamalawy: Based on my observations and interactions, these are some of the skills and traits commonly seen in promising revenue cycle professionals:

• Strong analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of regulations and compliance
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Continuous learning and adaptability
• Leadership and teamwork
• Technology proficiency

These skills and traits contribute to the success of revenue cycle professionals, enabling them to effectively manage the financial aspects of healthcare organizations and drive optimal revenue performance.

Join HFMA, NAWA, Selat and the National Casemix Center of Excellence, Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 31 in Riyadh. Register for complimentary access to the one-day education session.

Read more about the one-day education session.