​AHCA/NCAL has launched Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Academy, an online training program that educates facilities of all sizes on the interdisciplinary approach toward revenue management. 

As reimbursement models move from fee-for-service toward value-based reimbursement, more complex patient characteristic-based methodologies and accurate claims processes must extend beyond billing offices. SNFs operating without successful and integrative Revenue Cycle Management may be receiving insufficient payment for the care they deliver. Developing and implementing successful Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) strategies will coordinate the clinical and administrative functions necessary to improve patient outcomes, ensure timely and accurate collections, and lower administrative costs.

“The skilled nursing profession is in the most serious crisis in its history with workforce shortages and increasing operation costs,” said Mike Cheek, Senior Vice President of Reimbursement Policy for AHCA/NCAL. “AHCA developed Revenue Cycle Management Academy as a tool during this crisis. While the Academy is not a silver bullet, the training offers solid, time-tested financial management strategies to help during these troubling times. Specially, the Academy provides training on how to build solid internal controls, policies and procedures to ensure skilled nursing providers have adequate reimbursement to deliver quality of care.”

RCM Academy covers the process from pre-admission to payment, and includes topics such as claims submission, third-party follow-up, strategies to navigate managed care, and best practices associated with coordinating with MDS coding leads. Participants will learn about the attributes of high performing teams, systems to assure proper and timely payment, and best practices for managing all payer sources to maximize revenue and minimize avoidable losses. To bolster the learning experience RCM Academy includes short videos profiling providers’ experiences running effective RCM programs, and additional webinars and resources will be developed throughout the year.

“I am very grateful for AHCA’s latest resource for providers: Revenue Cycle Management Academy,” said Sarah Schumanm, Vice President of Operations for Brookside Inn. “Now more than ever providers must ensure the proper management of all financial aspects from pre-admission through post-discharge of all residents and patients.  The wisdom these subject matter experts bring to the training is particularly beneficial for Independent Owners like myself. The profession has needed easy access to this consolidated information for a long time. Thank you AHCA for once again delivering solutions to meet our needs.”

The cost of the course is $350 for AHCA/NCAL members and $650 for non-members. Upon successful completion, the course is approved for 6.75 NAB CEs. Participants will need to login to ahcancalED with their AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords to register for Revenue Cycle Management Academy. For assistance obtaining usernames and passwords, members should e-mail educate@ahca.org with their name and facility contact information.