Hospital Access Management – March 1, 2009
March 1, 2009
View Issues
-
When doing more with less during recession, patient safety is a concern
Due to the economic downturn, patient access departments are being asked to maintain programs with fewer resources and do more with less. Technology investments are being put off, and staff in some cases are being cut. -
Key indicators can prove worth of access
This is a two-part series on use of performance indicators in patient access. This month, we cover their benefits and how to develop the most effective scorecards. -
New skill sets that patient access needs — right now
Right now, patient access managers are in a difficult situation their roles and responsibilities, already very broad, are "changing on a regular basis," says Ed Erway, chief revenue officer at University of Kentucky (UK) HealthCare in Lexington. -
You need to co-exist with business priorities
Patient care and business priorities can co-exist as equal partners, says Jodie Martin, director of hospital admitting at University of Kentucky (UK) HealthCare in Lexington, but "it's up to the patient access manager to facilitate that partnership." -
Are registrars uncomfortable asking patients for money?
Patient access departments are increasingly focused on upfront collections. Yet staff thrust in this new role often are somewhat uncomfortable with asking patients for money. -
Four ways to improve your ability to collect
Fewer resources, service discounts, high deductibles, transparency, increased market competition, and increases in the uninsured population. These factors make it "ever so critical to collect during the upfront processes."