Mastering Payment Analysis: Best Practices with Stacy Calvaruso In this episode of 'For The Love of Revenue Cycle,' host Vanessa Moldovan and expert Stacy Calvaruso discuss the often-overlooked yet crucial topic of payment analysis. The episode differentiates between contract modeling and payment analysis, addressing common issues like underpayments and silent downcoding. They share actionable steps for ensuring proper payment using both advanced technologies and spreadsheets. The discussion also covers the importance of data in running a revenue cycle, triggers for payment analysis, and strategies for contract negotiation. Practical advice on identifying and rectifying underpayments is provided, emphasizing the need for regular review and collaboration within the organization. Whether you're a large hospital or a smaller clinic, this episode offers valuable insights into maintaining revenue integrity.  Here is the link to the analysis sheet referenced in the call: Payment Analysis Lost Revenue Tracker

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:56 Meet Stacy Calvarusso: Revenue Cycle Expert

02:49 The Importance of Data in Revenue Cycle Management

03:52 Contract Modeling vs. Payment Analysis

05:50 Understanding Payment Variances and Underpayments

08:53 Contract Negotiation Strategies

14:51 Triggers and Tools for Payment Analysis

18:47 Practical Tips for Payment Analysis

32:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this inaugural live Q&A episode, Vanessa Moldovan, CEO of For the Love of Revenue Cycle, answers real-time questions on denials, RCM technology gaps, billing strategies, and more. Tune in for practical insights on tech adoption, denial resolution, and how to evaluate in-house vs. outsourced billing.

• [00:03:00] – Where do you think the biggest gaps are between what technology promises and what it actually delivers in revenue cycle?

• [00:07:45] – What makes a revenue cycle leader actually adopt a new product or tool?

• [00:13:20] – What is the number one mistake you see practices or companies make when it comes to denials?

• [00:22:30] – Who should be handling your billing—in-house or outsourced?

In this episode of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' host Vanessa welcomes Dr. Greg Hobbs, the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Milagro, a provider of autonomous coding solutions for healthcare.

Dr. Hobbs discusses his background as an emergency physician, his journey through the academic and IT sectors, and his subsequent focus on healthcare technology. The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of adopting technology in healthcare, particularly autonomous coding. They explore physicians' skepticism towards AI, the need for transparency in automated systems, and the importance of finding the right vendor for technology solutions. Dr. Hobbs highlights the necessity of real-time coding to avoid preauthorization mismatches and enhance efficiency. Emphasizing a partnership approach with technology providers, the discussion underscores the value of integrating smart software with human expertise to optimize healthcare workflows.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:20 Dr. Greg Hobbs' Background and Experience 01:37 Challenges with Technology Adoption in Healthcare 03:54 Importance of Accurate Coding 04:37 Addressing Skepticism and Legal Responsibilities 08:30 Autonomous vs Automated Coding 11:35 Real-Time Coding and Preauthorization 15:55 Integration and Implementation Challenges 19:03 Vendor Selection and Partnership 22:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Dugan Winkie with Cedar to explore 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

Episode Overview:

In this episode, we dive into the latest trends and challenges in the world of healthcare denials, focusing on payer-driven issues and solutions. The discussion spans denial trends, specifically around inpatient DRG downgrades, and the nuances of navigating denials and claim processes. We also cover technology gaps, regulatory shifts, and emerging solutions in the revenue cycle, particularly for claims with no response and payer-driven reimbursement barriers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• DRG Denials and Humana’s Query Compliance: Robin brings up a denial trend where Humana denies inpatient DRG claims based on “non-compliant queries,” prompting insights on how other professionals are tackling this issue.

• Technology for Claims Without Response: A compelling case is made for creating automation around claims that have not received a denial or payment. This includes potential decision trees for follow-up actions on claims without EDI data to improve efficiency.

• Prior Authorization and Payer Challenges: The conversation highlights the industry’s struggle with prior authorization, arguing that innovation should focus on reducing the overall burden rather than automating current processes, which only minimally alleviate providers’ challenges.

• The Telehealth Dilemma Post-2024: With telehealth flexibilities set to expire at the end of 2024, Whitney raises concerns over how practices primarily based on telehealth services, especially those offering behavioral health, will adapt. Regulatory changes are dissected, with possible strategies suggested to navigate this impending change.

• Innovations in Denial Management: Attendees discuss tools for denial tracking and payer insights, like Cleopatra Queen of Denial, a software solution developed to trend denial types across categories for better negotiation leverage.

• Building Technology That Truly Helps the Revenue Cycle: A call is made for technology that directly addresses payer-driven issues, rather than administrative burdens, suggesting a focus on innovation that simplifies payer policies and medical necessity criteria.

• Professional Events and Resources: The episode includes a discussion on upcoming events, like Joe Rivett’s denial forum, offering listeners insight into where they can learn more about denial management, payer perspectives, and effective appeals writing.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out and share their own experiences with denial management challenges, particularly around DRG downgrades and telehealth changes, fostering a community of shared insights and solutions.

Mastering Payer Defense

In this episode, Vanessa Moldovan, CEO and founder of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' dives deep into the complexities of downcoding and mastering payer defense strategies. She discusses essential steps including understanding contracts, interacting effectively with payers, and leveraging legal options and state insurance commissions. Vanessa also shares insights gathered from a healthcare attorney specializing in defending providers against insurance companies. Tune in to learn actionable strategies to safeguard revenue and ensure fair payment while maintaining professional relationships with payers. 

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:13 Understanding Downcoding

00:53 Expert Insights and Strategies

02:20 Importance of Contracts in Payer Defense

03:49 Presenter's Background and Expertise

06:00 Webinar Disclaimer and Initial Questions

07:10 Best Practices for Denial Escalation

11:39 Identifying and Addressing Downcoding

19:58 Effective Payer Conversations

29:22 Navigating Payer Relations and Contracting

31:01 Effective Appeal Strategies

33:40 Documentation and Professionalism

37:43 Leveraging State Insurance Commissions

43:33 Filing Grievances: Medicare and Commercial Plans

48:47 Legal Complaints and Final Steps

52:19 Q&A and Closing Remarks

Transforming Healthcare Revenue Cycle with Technology and Human Expertise

Join Vanessa Moldovan, CEO and founder of For the Love of Revenue Cycle as she delves into the intersection of innovative technology and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM). Discover the critical role of technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Large Language Models (LLMs), and Software as a Service (SaaS) in optimizing financial processes and patient data management. 

This episode covers essential topics including vendor selection, key technological terms, and the importance of human factors in successful technology adoption. She tackles common objections to new technology, and provides practical strategies for evaluating software solutions and maximizing the benefits of software demos.

Learn how to balance human intervention and automation to achieve efficiency and long-term financial success. For more information, contact Vanessa at [email protected] and connect via LinkedIn or Facebook.

00:00 Introduction and Webinar Overview

00:11 About Vanessa Moldovan

00:48 Mission and Services

01:58 Importance of Technology in Revenue Cycle

05:50 Key Terms in Technology

09:37 Understanding Information Technology

11:31 Software as a Service (SaaS)

28:50 Human Factor in Technology

35:49 Challenges in Revenue Cycle Management

36:57 Understanding Common Objections to Technology Adoption

37:55 Overcoming Resistance and Bad Experiences

40:07 Perception of High Costs and Value Challenges

42:34 Preparing for Technology Demos

44:46 Maximizing Demo Effectiveness

50:39 Evaluating Technology Integration and Support

01:03:36 Exploring Innovative Technologies in Revenue Cycle

01:10:29 Conclusion and Contact Information

Mastering Medical Billing: Overcoming Claim Denials and Utilizing Key Resources

In this comprehensive episode, we dive deep into various medical billing challenges and solutions. Key discussions include handling billing issues with UnitedHealthcare, specifically around lab claims and CLIA validation, and addressing billing problems with Medicare Advantage and other insurers like Cigna and Blue Cross. We offer practical advice on resubmissions, correct coding, and documentation to avoid denials. The importance of leveraging resources such as the AAPC website, MACs for webinars, and networking for educational support is emphasized. The episode features expert insights, such as those from healthcare attorney on combating downcoding and dealing with insurance companies.  New and experienced billers alike can benefit from tips on maintaining contact lists, timely filings, and utilizing payer portals effectively.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Query

00:18 Clarifying the Issue with Modifier 90

01:00 Understanding CLIA Requirements

05:25 Dealing with UnitedHealthcare Denials

07:12 Exploring Other Potential Issues

09:33 Addressing Sentara Insurance Glitch

12:00 Blue Cross Medical Advantage Claim Issues

18:06 Cigna Appeal Process Challenges

22:01 Medicare Advantage Plan Denials

26:44 Medicare Billing Challenges

27:17 Humorous Anecdotes and Introductions

28:02 Addressing New Biller Concerns

30:06 Sharing Tips and Resources

31:33 Useful Websites and Tools

34:08 Insurance Company Contacts

35:02 AAPC Website Resources

36:32 Medicare Denial Codes and Policies

37:43 Importance of Bookmarking Resources

39:20 Access to Payer Portals

40:47 Training and Networking

42:00 Medicare Billing Programs

44:42 Final Thoughts and Suggestions