Tag: health insurance

failing on prior auth reform

Health Insurance Industry Is Failing on Prior Authorization Reform

In theory, prior authorization (PA) exists to ensure that healthcare services are medically necessary and cost-effective. But in practice, it has become a bureaucratic roadblock causing treatment delays, administrative overload, and provider burnout. Despite increasing pressure from physicians, hospitals, patient advocacy groups, and even bipartisan lawmakers, the health insurance industry failing on prior authorization reform […]
Learn More
ASC patient experience

Boosting ASC Patient Experience through Efficient Front Desk Procedures

In today’s competitive healthcare environment, delivering an exceptional ASC patient experience is crucial for differentiating your ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and fostering sustainable growth. This experience hinges on treating patients with care, respect, and competence throughout every interaction – from staff engagement to procedural efficiency and technological integration. This article focuses specifically on enhancing the […]
Learn More
Prior Authorizations

Prior Authorization in Medicare: What You Need to Know

Prior authorization, the requirement for pre-approval from your insurer for certain services, is a common practice in both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. While it helps manage utilization and costs, it can also be frustrating, especially when a request is denied. A 2023 study by health policy research revealed the increasing prevalence of […]
Learn More
Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts

Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts Threaten Patient Access to Care

With over 67 million Americans—nearly 20% of the population—relying on Medicare, the program plays a crucial role in ensuring access to quality healthcare. Unfortunately, looming Medicare physician reimbursement cuts threaten to undermine this vital service, potentially leading to reduced access to care and compromised patient outcomes Medicare physician reimbursement cuts, such as the proposed 2.8% […]
Learn More
Survey Reveals Key Issues with Challenging Surprise Medical Bills and Coverage Denials

Survey Reveals Key Issues with Challenging Surprise Medical Bills and Coverage Denials

A new study by the health care system reveals a significant gap in consumer healthcare rights. Despite attempts to curb surprise medical bills, a large portion of insured Americans are still receiving unexpected charges. Adding to this problem is the high rate of coverage denials, leaving patients with substantial out-of-pocket costs and causing financial hardship […]
Learn More
CMS Unveils Contentious Prior Authorization Reform Rule Proposals

CMS Unveils Contentious Prior Authorization Reform Rule Proposals

Physicians and healthcare experts are urging Medicare to lead reforms in the time-consuming prior authorization (PA) process, which often causes delays in patient care. However, they caution against excessive reform, as it could exacerbate the problem rather than improving it. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have put forth two proposals for […]
Learn More
Hospital Expenses Have Increased 23 Percent Since 2016

Hospital Expenses Have Increased 23 Percent Since 2016

Supply chain issues, medication costs, and labor challenges sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the spiking hospital expenses. Hospital expenses have increased 23 percent since 2016, a spike researchers attributed to continuous COVID-19 challenges, according to a recent analysis. By analyzing American Hospital Association data, investigators noticed hospital expenses increased 47 percent in 2020when […]
Learn More
60% of Consumers seek Healthcare Price Transparency

60% of Consumers seek Healthcare Price Transparency

A survey shows that 60% of consumers who look for pricing information seek answers from their insurance companies, but healthcare price transparency should still be a priority for providers. Not many consumers are asking how much healthcare services cost but among those who do, they are seeking answers primarily from their insurance companies, according to […]
Learn More
Dos And Don’ts For Managing Inpatient-to-observation Status Downgrades

Dos And Don’ts For Managing Inpatient-to-observation Status Downgrades

  In the newest episode of the HealthLeaders Revenue Cycle Podcast, Charlie Brown, MBA, a former hospital executive and vice president of revenue cycle at a consulting firm, provides actionable steps for mitigating status downgrades and dealing with them effectively to ensure that organizations receive the full reimbursement for the services they provided. In his […]
Learn More
x