Note from the speaker: Denial prevention strategies at the 2018 Revenue Integrity Symposium

By Tracey A. Tomak, PMP, RHIA

It’s nearly time to head back to the National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity’s (NAHRI) 2018 Revenue Integrity Symposium (RIS), and I couldn’t be more excited. I attended and presented at last year’s symposium and came back with a wealth of information to share with my colleagues.

RIS will be held October 16–17 at the stunning Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park (Phoenix), Arizona. Several pre- and post-conference options are available for those looking for week-long education and networking. Valued NAHRI members save an additional $100 off the cost of admission—that’s on top of the early bird discount of $100, which ends August 17.

I am looking forward to hearing about CMS’ proposed regulation changes. In particular, I am interested in hearing more about what is happening in regard to admission status and how providers can mitigate their audits and denials for inpatient medical necessity.

I will be speaking on using data analysis to identify root causes. My session will discuss how to collaborate as an organization to get to the root of what is causing denial so that providers can begin to prevent unnecessary denials rather than continuing to simply manage them. Join me at the following date and time:

• Day two, October 17, at 3:45 p.m.: Denial Prevention: Addressing Root Causes through Data Analytics and a Team-Based Culture
  • This session will highlight the differences between denial reason codes and root causes as well as define root causes that will allow for effective process improvement activity. Key players that must be involved to facilitate a team-based approach to denial prevention will be covered as well as ways to mitigate denials.

There are a lot of seasoned revenue cycle professionals speaking at and attending RIS. It is a fantastic venue for like-minded individuals to network, ask questions, and take back a wealth of information to their own organizations.

Let’s not forget about the prime location for this event. The Wigwam Resort offers beauty like no other, and October is a great time to visit the Phoenix area. I would very much like to find time to visit the desert botanical garden and attend the electric desert light show.

See you there!

Editor’s note: Tomak is the director of project management and client engagement at Intersect Healthcare in Towson, Maryland. She has more than 20 years of experience in revenue cycle with a focus on hospital coding, charge capture, and denials management

For additional information, listen to a recording of our Revenue Integrity Symposium Demo and view the corresponding slides. Revenue integrity professionals wishing to earn support from program administrators to attend the 2018 Revenue Integrity Symposium may adapt our justification letter proposal.