Q&A: CEO support for the revenue cycle

Q. How do you gain CEO support for revenue cycle functions?

A. Executive leadership must support the revenue cycle team function and be active in reducing silos. We will assume the CFO already champions revenue cycle integrity and will serve as a key leader. If you have developed an RC plan, then during the preparation and approval of this plan, you will have already completed much of the groundwork and communication to the C-suite about interdisciplinary revenue cycle. Realistically, however, most facilities do not have this plan in place yet, and therefore it’s essential you gain support through other means.

Make it easy for the CEO to support the work of the revenue cycle team. Do the legwork to gain cooperation across departmental lines for revenue cycle. Otherwise, the CEO is faced with polling stakeholders for their support, and one resistant department could slow down the entire initiative. Have the work of revenue cycle predefined and get the assembly line in place before seeking formal support. This may be accomplished through a Lean process or other method not requiring CEO involvement.

For more information, see Medicare Compliance Essentials Training Compendium.

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