Implementation Aids In Improved RCM
By Wendy Grafius, contributing writer
Implementation of medical eligibility and financial counseling services expected to improve cash flow, reduce bad debt, and enhance patient advocacy
Louisiana Children’s Medical Center, Inc. (LCMC), an integrated network based in New Orleans, is expanding its relationship with Conifer Health Solutions, through the implementation of medical eligibility and financial counseling services at its newly acquired location, Interim LSU Public Hospital. This arrangement will provide help for uninsured or underinsured patients at the safety net hospital to access state and federal medical assistance programs.
State budget cuts to Louisiana State University’s (LSU) seven public hospitals in 2012 endangered New Orleans’ medical schools, in which faculty staff the public hospitals and supervise medical school residents. In June, 2013, LCMC, a nonprofit healthcare leader, accepted management of 200-bed Interim LSU Public Hospital from the state of Louisiana, adding the facility to its network which includes 247-bed Children’s Hospital and 280-bed Touro Infirmary. In the leased agreement, LCMC is managing and operating Interim LSU Public Hospital, better known as University Hospital, as well as the currently under construction, University Medical Center, a $1 billion, 424-bed facility. LSU and Tulane faculty and medical students staff Interim LSU Public Hospital as they will in the spring of 2015 at University Medical Center, once it opens.
“Healthcare reform is giving rise to new payment models, and our goal in this dynamic environment is for Conifer Health to help us improve cash flow, reduce bad debt, and enhance patient advocacy within the New Orleans community,” said Suzanne Haggard, chief financial officer of LCMC’s Touro Infirmary. “LCMC has improved revenue cycle performance through its relationship with Conifer Health and that, coupled with their experience in medical eligibility assistance engagements, makes us confident that Conifer Health will create value for the Interim LSU Public Hospital.”
Conifer Health Solutions, based in Frisco, Texas, works to improve operational performance for its clients. Its medical eligibility and financial counseling services include on-site financial counselors who assist with eligibility and enrollment management of uninsured or underinsured patients for State Medicaid, Social Security Disability, Victims of Crime, and other insurance programs. Additionally, Conifer’s services will include development of charity care policies and patient financial responsibility programs for Interim LSU Public Hospital, which will enable the facility to capture additional revenue while helping patients gain access to public health benefits, for current health needs and in the future.
“Conifer Health is proud to support the Interim LSU Public Hospital’s mission and its commitment to providing patient financial advocacy services to its patients,” said Allen Hobbs, chief client officer at Conifer Health. “We are pleased to provide these patient-centered services and partner with LCMC’s leadership to enhance revenue and improve capital access.”
SOURCE: Business Wire
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