Clarifying the chargemaster and promoting revenue integrity
Editor’s note: Sarah L. Goodman, MBA, CHCAF, COC, CHRI, CCP, FCS, will present “Adding Clarity and Value to the CDM” with Rosemary Holliday, MHA, Kay Larsen, CHRI, and Linda J. McCray, CPA, MBA, on day one of the 2023 Revenue Integrity Symposium, which will take place on September 18-19 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Goodman is president/CEO and principal consultant for SLG, Inc. and serves on the NAHRI Advisory Board. She is a nationally known speaker and author on the chargemaster, outpatient facility coding, and billing compliance and has more than 30 years’ experience in the healthcare industry.
Q: In what ways does your session challenge revenue integrity professionals to think outside the box?
Goodman: Our unique, interactive panel presentation will use real-life examples to explain the role of the CDM coordinator, CFO, and outside consultants or vendors in maintaining an up-to-date CDM and in promoting revenue integrity in the facility setting. By helping attendees gain perspective of the various stakeholders in the process, I am optimistic they will be inspired to think outside the box and be creative in addressing the issues that arise along their revenue integrity journey.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge in revenue integrity right now? How does your session help tackle this?
Goodman: At the moment, the greatest challenge is staying up to date on regulations now that the public health emergency has ended. While some guidelines have been clearly defined, others still seem to be evolving. Our panel of experts will provide updates on and insight into resolving these ambiguities.
Q: What’s one of the key pieces of information you would like people to take away from your session?
Goodman: In addition to taking away some of the latest revenue integrity tips and practical advice, I am hopeful that attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of collaboration among professionals—both internal and external—to their organizations.
Q: What are you most excited about for this year’s topic? Or, what are you most excited about for this year’s conference?
Goodman: Every year, I look forward to presenting alongside my longtime colleagues, Rosemary Holliday, Kay Larsen, and Linda J. McCray. This year is no exception, especially since RIS is being hosted in North Carolina. Those of us who reside or grew up here are delighted to welcome everyone to our home state!
Q: What's a great piece of advice you've received regarding revenue integrity? Or, what advice do you like to give people about revenue integrity?
Goodman: To quote my dear friend and colleague, Kay Larsen, "A chargemaster should be a work of art." Keep that in mind as you build or maintain the CDM and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.