In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Dugan Winkie with Cedare to delve into the integration of innovation within the revenue cycle. The discussion focuses on patient accounts receivable (AR) and the transformative role of technology in making patient financial experiences more efficient and personalized. Dugan shares insights from his career and Cedar’s approach to bridging the gap between technology and revenue cycle management. The conversation touches on the need for simpler payment processes, the impact of AI in answering billing questions, and the importance of finding healthcare solutions that balance operational efficiency with patient care.

For further information go to https://www.cedar.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:44 The Importance of Patient AR

06:30 Challenges and Innovations in Patient Financial Experience

10:09 Leveraging AI and Technology for Efficiency

15:59 Strategies for Improving Patient Engagement

19:19 Choosing the Right Partner for Revenue Cycle Management

20:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Summary:

Conferences can be a game-changer for your career, whether you attend in person or virtually. In this episode, we dive into how to maximize your return on investment (ROI) from industry conferences, choose the right events, and make the most of opportunities—even if you can’t attend in person.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The tangible and intangible benefits of attending conferences.

• How to calculate your ROI to determine if a conference is worth it.

• Key differences between in-person and virtual attendance.

• Alternative ways to gain value if you can’t attend in person.

• How to select the right conference for your career or business goals.

• Two major conference announcements where Vanessa will be speaking!

✈️ Upcoming Conferences & Speaking Engagements

🏥 RCM Summit – Nashville (February 5-7, 2024)

📍 Speaking Session:

🔹 Panel: “Creating Common Ground – Strategies for Payer-Provider Synergy”

🕑 February 6th at 3:45 PM Eastern

💡 Why Attend?

• A must-attend for revenue cycle professionals.

• The only event uniting RCM professionals from healthcare and insurers.

• Features 25+ senior-led sessions, networking, and exclusive discussions.

• FREE for healthcare providers and those who work for healthcare organizations!

🔗 Register Here

🌐 ViVE – Nashville (February 16-19, 2024)

📍 Speaking Sessions:

🔹 February 16 – Bridging the Gap Between RCM & Technology

🔹 February 19 – First Ever RCM Summit at ViVE

💡 Why Attend?

• Premier event for digital health transformation.

• Unmatched networking with tech innovators, revenue cycle experts, and healthcare leaders.

• Exclusive RCM Summit featuring the top minds in the space.

🔗 Register Here

💰 Save $250 on Registration! Use promo code: v25p_FTLRC250

📌 If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague!

💡 Join the conversation: Follow Vanessa on LinkedIn for more industry insights.

🎤 For the Love of Revenue Cycle – Helping you navigate RCM with clarity, strategy, and innovation.

Navigating Denial Management and Best Practices in Medical Billing

In this episode, our host addresses common issues and questions related to claims denial in the healthcare industry. The session kicks off with a briefing about the recording process and the host’s recent absence due to business commitments in Europe. The conversation delves into topics such as the upcoming conferences in Nashville, including the RCM Summit and Vive, and moderating panels on collaboration between providers and payers. The Q&A covers detailed discussions on claims denied for timely filing, challenges faced with behavioral health billing, the importance of accurate reason codes, and the complexities of dealing with authorization denials. Specific case studies are examined, including issues with Blue Cross of Massachusetts and UnitedHealthcare denials. The episode emphasizes the need for resilience, thorough research, and the use of technology in managing billing processes effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping

02:34 Welcome and Updates

03:45 Upcoming Conferences

04:41 Panel Discussion Preparation

09:54 Q&A: Denial Management

15:28 Common Denial Issues

25:41 Behavioral Health Billing Challenges

31:06 Challenges with Authorization Denials

31:59 Manual vs. Technological Solutions

32:54 Dealing with Out-of-Network Denials

34:54 Frustrations and Resilience in Billing

35:50 Escalating Appeals and Insurance Company Tactics

38:22 Utilizing Support Networks

41:47 Specific Case Discussions and Policies

01:00:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts