Medical Billing Blog: Section - Medical Billing

Archive of all Articles in the Medical Billing Section

This is the archive containing links to all articles written in the Medical Billing section of our blog.

Click any of the article links below to read the entire article or browse another section to the right to read articles on another subject.

The Role of Communication in Reducing Patient Billing Disputes

The importance of clear communication in healthcare cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to patient billing. Disputes over billing can lead to stress and dissatisfaction for both patients and healthcare providers, potentially harming the patient-provider relationship and impacting the overall healthcare experience. In this article, we will explore the role of clear communication in reducing patient billing disputes, including strategies for effective communication, the impact of technology, and the benefits of transparency. Understanding Patient Billing Disputes Patient billing disputes often arise from misunderstandings or lack of clarity about charges, insurance coverage, and payment expectations. These disputes can stem from complex billing systems, the intricacies of insurance benefits, and the

Published By: Kary Chasteen, CPC | No Comments

Week 2 of the Change Healthcare Cyber Attack

The cyber attack on Change Healthcare, reported to have begun on February 21, 2024, has been attributed to the Blackcat ransomware gang, also known as ALPHV. This incident has caused significant disruptions across the healthcare sector, affecting pharmacies and healthcare providers throughout the United States. The cybercriminal group is known for its “double extortion” tactic, where they encrypt the victim’s files and also steal sensitive data, demanding a ransom for both the decryption key and the non-release of the stolen data. In this case, there’s a possibility of a data breach, although it hasn’t been officially confirmed by Change Healthcare at this stage​​. Mandiant, Alphabet’s cybersecurity unit, is spearheading the

Published By: Melissa Clark, CCS-P | No Comments

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in Healthcare RCM

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly becoming integral to healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM), revolutionizing how healthcare providers manage billing, collections, and patient financial interactions. This transformation is driven by the need to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve patient satisfaction in a complex and ever-evolving healthcare landscape. This article explores the role of AI and ML in healthcare RCM, highlighting their impact on operational efficiency, patient care, and financial outcomes. Introduction to Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management Healthcare RCM encompasses all the financial processes involved in managing the clinical and administrative functions associated with patient care, from registration and appointment scheduling to final payment of a balance.

Published By: Kary Chasteen, CPC | No Comments

The Role of Training in Revenue Cycle Performance Improvement

The role of training and education in revenue cycle performance improvement is both critical and transformative, affecting healthcare organizations across the globe. In a landscape where financial viability directly influences the ability to provide quality care, the optimization of the revenue cycle becomes a paramount objective. This comprehensive exploration will dissect the importance of training and education in enhancing revenue cycle operations, including the impact on compliance, employee efficiency, patient satisfaction, and overall financial health. Understanding Revenue Cycle Management Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) encompasses all the financial processes involved in managing the administrative and clinical functions associated with claims processing, payment, and revenue generation. This includes patient registration, insurance and

Published By: Melissa Clark, CCS-P | No Comments

The future of Medical Billing, What Should We Expect?

The world of medical billing stands at a crossroads, marked by rapid technological advancements, evolving healthcare delivery models, and significant regulatory shifts. As the financial backbone of healthcare systems worldwide, medical billing’s complexity and its direct impact on both providers and patients make understanding its future not just beneficial, but essential. This article delves into the anticipated developments in medical billing, aiming to shed light on the innovations, challenges, and trends that are shaping this critical field. For healthcare providers, billing professionals, and patients, staying abreast of these changes is crucial for navigating the complexities of medical billing systems and ensuring the optimization of financial outcomes in an increasingly patient-centric

Published By: Kary Chasteen, CPC | No Comments