Delta health systems implementation program - an efficient revenue cycle process is crucial for the financial sustainability of any rural hospital

In may 2023, pinckneyville community hospital implemented the meditech expanse electronic health record (EHR) system. However, one year post-implementation, we have encountered inefficiencies in revenue cycle performance. Previously, with the support of the national rural health resource center delta program, huron consulting group assisted US with EHR selection, implementation, and collaboration with meditech. Since the EHR implementation, we have worked diligently with meditech support to optimize system use. In may 2024, huron consulting group conducted a revenue cycle assessment, identifying areas within the meditech expanse EHR that could further enhance workflows, such as work queues, medical necessity, denial management, and charge capture. They also highlighted opportunities to expand the use of the meditech patient portal and third-party vendor programs to streamline patient scheduling, prior authorization, medical necessity, pre-registration, and patient payment engagement. The proposed revenue cycle optimization project will be executed in several phases to improve the hospital's revenue cycle performance and financial outcomes through increased cash flow. The first phase includes building dictionaries within the EHR to automate denial management, improve claims throughput, set key performance indicator goals to reduce outstanding accounts receivable to pre-implementation levels and conduct vendor demonstrations for expanded revenue cycle automation tools. The second phase focuses on front-end proactive measures, optimizing resources and workflows for scheduling, preauthorization, medical necessity, preregistration, and registration. Subsequent phases involve implementing new revenue cycle automation resources to enhance charge capture, reducing days to code and bill. The final phase includes exploring implementing new PA tient engagement methods via our meditech patient portal or contracting with a vendor for services such as pre-registration, point-of-service collections, E-statements, and texting communication. This comprehensive approach aims to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and improve the overall financial health of pinckneyville community hospital.