RCM Auditing / Consulting

Enhancing Financial Performance, Maintaining Compliance, and Ensuring Overall Efficiency

Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) auditing and consulting are critical for optimizing the financial performance of a clinical laboratory. These services help ensure accurate billing, maximize reimbursements, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

By leveraging RCM auditing and consulting services provided by Augustus Healthcare Solutions, clinical laboratories can enhance their financial performance, maintain compliance, and ensure the overall efficiency of their revenue cycle management processes.

Key Areas of RCM Auditing and Consulting
Comprehensive Revenue Cycle Review
  1. Process Assessment: Evaluate the entire revenue cycle process from patient registration to final payment.
  2. Workflow Analysis: Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in current workflows.
Billing and Coding Audit
  1. Accuracy Check: Audit billing records for accuracy in coding and billing procedures.
  2. Compliance Verification: Ensure compliance with coding standards (e.g., ICD-10, CPT) and regulatory requirements.
Claims Management Audit
  1. Denial Analysis: Review denied claims to identify common reasons for denials.
  2. Resolution Strategies: Develop strategies to resolve denied claims and reduce future denials.
Payment Posting Audit
  1. Payment Accuracy: Ensure that payments are posted accurately and timely.
  2. Reconciliation: Reconcile payments with billed amounts to identify discrepancies.
Process Improvement
  1. Workflow Optimization: Implement process improvements to streamline billing and collections.
  2. Technology Integration: Recommend and integrate advanced RCM software and tools.
Staff Training
  1. Billing and Coding Training: Provide training for staff on accurate billing and coding practices.
  2. Compliance Training: Educate staff on regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
Denial Management
  1. Denial Prevention: Develop and implement strategies to prevent claim denials.
  2. Appeal Processes: Establish effective appeal processes to handle denied claims efficiently.
Regulatory Updates
  1. Stay Informed: Keep the laboratory updated with the latest changes in healthcare regulations affecting RCM.
  2. Policy Development: Assist in developing policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
HIPAA Compliance
  1. Privacy and Security: Ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations regarding patient information privacy and security.
  2. Risk Assessments: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate compliance risks.
Revenue Analysis
  1. Performance Metrics: Track key performance metrics such as days in accounts receivable (AR), collection rates, and denial rates.
  2. Benchmarking: Compare performance against industry benchmarks to identify areas for improvement.
Custom Reporting
  1. Financial Reports: Generate custom financial reports to provide insights into revenue cycle performance.
  2. Dashboard Development: Develop dashboards for real-time monitoring of RCM metrics.
RCM Software Implementation
  1. Software Selection: Assist in selecting the right RCM software that fits the laboratory’s needs.
  2. System Integration: Ensure seamless integration of RCM software with existing laboratory information systems (LIS).
Automation Solutions
  1. Automated Billing: Implement automated billing solutions to reduce manual errors and increase efficiency.
  2. Electronic Claims Submission: Set up electronic claims submission to expedite the billing process.
Revenue Cycle Strategy
  1. Strategic Planning: Develop a long-term strategic plan to optimize the revenue cycle.
  2. Growth Strategies: Identify and implement strategies to increase revenue and improve financial health.
Contract Management
  1. Payer Contracts: Review and negotiate payer contracts to ensure favorable terms and conditions.
  2. Fee Schedules: Ensure fee schedules are up-to-date and reflect the cost of services provided.
Continuous Improvement
  1. Regular Audits: Schedule regular RCM audits to ensure ongoing accuracy and compliance.
  2. Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor performance and implement improvements as needed.
Consultation Services
  1. Expert Advice: Provide ongoing expert consultation to address any RCM-related issues.
  2. Support Services: Offer support services for troubleshooting and resolving RCM challenges.
Benefits of RCM Auditing and Consulting

Increased Revenue: Optimized billing and collections processes lead to increased revenue.

Reduced Denials: Effective denial management reduces the number of denied claims and improves cash flow.

Compliance Assurance: Ensures compliance with regulatory standards, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.

Operational Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and automated processes enhance operational efficiency.

Financial Transparency: Detailed financial analysis and reporting provide clear insights into revenue cycle performance.

Expert Guidance: Access to expert advice and ongoing support helps address challenges and implement best practices.