Case Study:
Enhancing RCM Authorization Through Strategic Improvements
This case study details how DME Service Solutions enhanced the RCM authorization process for a healthcare client, leading to significant gains in efficiency and compliance across their operations.
The Client
The client is a prominent provider, dedicated to improved patient outcomes. The client places a strong emphasis on patient-centric care, working to foster transparent communication and trust with patients, ensuring that each individual feels valued and understood throughout their healthcare journey.
The Challenge
Optimizing Pre-Auth Processes: The client wanted to improve their pre-authorization denial rates and inefficiencies in their RCM process, as this posed a risk in critically affecting financial performance and undermining patient satisfaction. The existing system contributed to delays that adversely affected patient care and overall satisfaction. The client required a more dynamic approach to effectively handle the variability in authorization requests and ensure a smoother workflow. This approach needed to be robust enough to quickly adapt to changing regulations and diverse patient needs while minimizing bureaucratic overhead.
The DME Service Solutions
Workflow Review
Redesigned the pre-authorization workflow to eliminate bottlenecks and streamline operations, ensuring that all steps from patient intake to data submission are optimized for speed and accuracy. This redesign focused on integrating patient feedback to further refine the process. We also implemented cross-functional teams to monitor the impacts of these changes and ensure all modifications contributed positively to workflow efficiency.
Onboarding Training
Developed a client-specific onboarding training modules to ensure all new team members are proficient in handling complex cases efficiently. The training also included ongoing assessments to measure improvement and adapt training needs, coupled with real-world scenarios to help staff understand the nuances of different patient cases. Regular refresher sessions were scheduled to keep all team members up to date with the latest changes.
Advanced Reporting Systems
DME implemented advanced reporting dashboard and analytics tools to provide insights into the pre-authorization process, identifying trends and areas for improvement. These insights help prioritize which areas require immediate attention and additional resources. Rgular meetings were instituted to discuss these reports and make data-driven decisions.
Quality Assurance Checks
Introduced regular quality assurance checks to maintain high standards throughout the pre-authorization process, ensuring compliance and accuracy at each step. These checks are supported by a feedback loop to continuously refine and optimize operations. The program includes spot-checks and comprehensive audits, with findings reported back to management and training departments to further enhance process integrity.
Business Intelligence
This strategic layer allows for predictive modeling, anticipating future challenges and preparing solutions in advance. It also enables the customization of dashboards for different management levels, ensuring that relevant data is accessible and actionable across the organization. This has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and agile response to operational challenges.
Continuous Improvement Program
Established a continuous improvement program to actively solicit feedback, using data-driven insights to continuously refine processes and training. This program is supported by a dedicated team responsible for implementing changes and monitoring their effects on the overall process efficiency and compliance, ensuring the program’s adaptability and sustainability.
The Result
207%
Growth Rate M01 to M03
246%
Accomplishment Rate