The importance of revenue integrity

In the short amount of time since their inception, revenue integrity departments have substantially improved compliance and maximized reimbursement at their organizations. As 2023 Revenue Integrity Week draws to a close, hospitals must continue to recognize these departments throughout the year.

To emphasize the value of revenue integrity, NAHRI surveyed members. Following are some of their responses.

Q: Why is revenue integrity important?

Brittanie Smiddy, revenue integrity lead at Confluence Health in Wenatchee, Washington: Correct reimbursement not only ensures sustainability for the business but also increases patient satisfaction. Patients trust that their bill will be correct.

Michella Borden, RHIT, revenue integrity department supervisor at St. Charles Health System in Bend, Oregon: Without revenue integrity, hospitals and healthcare systems would go under. It is the backbone of everything charge-related. People in revenue integrity are educated in all coding and billing guidelines, as well as the regulations that most departments are not aware of.

Shelby Lee, revenue integrity operations manager at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, California: Hospitals have tight margins, so every dollar matters. It's important that all patients have a financial experience with accurate charging and fair billing practices.

Susan E. Lundgren, COC, CHRI, CPAR, revenue integrity hospital auditor at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia: With so many complex rules and regulations, providers need revenue integrity expertise to remain compliant and solvent.