Hospital Access Management – June 1, 2020
June 1, 2020
View Issues
-
CARES Act Offers Mix of Relief, Confusion for Struggling Hospitals
A $100 billion injection of relief funding for certain hospitals and other healthcare providers is just what the doctor ordered. However, for others, the money they will receive does not come close to addressing the shortfalls they are experiencing.
-
Waived Cost-Sharing Is Questionable Help to Hospitals
Hospitals may not charge patients with any type of insurance cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and related services, according to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This will certainly help patients. For hospitals, it probably means more lost revenue.
-
‘Top-to-Top’ Approach Needed on Relaxed Rules
Many health plans are waiving authorizations for specific diagnostic testing or services. Clarity is needed on what exactly the waivers mean in specific cases.
-
Auth Requirements Are Relaxed During COVID-19 Crisis — Or Are They?
Relaxed authorization requirements sounds like great news. However, payers are vague on the specifics. For this reason, some patient access leaders are erring on the side of caution and continuing to secure all authorizations per usual protocol.
-
Some Big Revenue Cycle Changes Are Here to Stay
For patient access, some changes with COVID-19 are just temporary. Others probably are going to be permanent. Read on to learn about some new practices with long-term implications for revenue cycle operations.
-
Massive Remote Work Arrangement Going Well (Mostly)
Few patient access departments had successful remote work programs in place before COVID-19. Since the pandemic began, facilities have made some major adjustments. The following is a summary of how the field is faring with these unusual arrangements.
-
Registrars Working Same Jobs, But in Different Spaces
COVID-19 led a 10-hospital system based in Maine to create remote work arrangements for each facility, based on staff size and other variables.
-
COVID-19 Changes HIPAA Compliance, But Caution Necessary
The Office for Civil Rights has issued waivers and notices of enforcement discretion for several issues related to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance, but healthcare organizations still must be careful to comply with the privacy law even during the pandemic.
-
Tips for HIPAA Compliance During a Pandemic
The pandemic response may create unique Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance risks. Time, staffing, and focus are at a premium, but staying cognizant of patients’ privacy remains important.