This summer, PYA joined more than 15 hospitals in Nebraska along with the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) in celebrating the successful conclusion of the inaugural NHA Revenue Cycle Residency Program. One year ago, PYA helped the NHA launch the intense program to help hospitals improve revenue cycle operations.
The unique program was developed by NHA with content from PYA’s Revenue and Compliance Advisory team and input from the program’s steering committee. It was delivered by PYA executives over a 10-month period.
In its inaugural year, the program brought together 20 participants from across the state with diverse experiences, including chief financial officers, coding supervisors, patient services directors, business office and scheduling managers, controllers, and revenue cycle managers. They quickly formed a network they used to share knowledge and tools.
“The program has been a great success,” said Michael Feagler, NHA Vice President, Finance. “The discussion during the sessions was good, and the members of the program were not shy about sharing their issues. Even I learned a few things.”
At the end of the program, participants stated they had gained a better understanding of the revenue cycle and developed skills to improve the reimbursement processes at their respective hospitals. Equally important, participants said they now value the business offices in their facilities more.
“We’re thrilled by the success of the initiative,” said PYA Senior Manager Kathy Reep. “We know hospitals cannot function without knowledgeable revenue cycle teams, who must have the right tools to be successful.”
“Hospital reimbursement is complex, and for rural hospitals, it has unique challenges,” said PYA Principal Martie Ross, Director of PYA’s Center for Rural Health Advancement. “As we assess the success of the inaugural program and look ahead to the second launch, we’re honored to continue to partner with NHA to directly address those challenges and equip hospital leaders with solutions they can apply immediately.”
Plans for the 2024-2025 program are in development. Using feedback from the inaugural participants, program leaders will improve the curriculum, structure, and logistics. The program will launch in September 2024. Download the 2024-2025 brochure.
Faculty members included Sarah Bowman, Carine Leslie, Kristen Davidson, David Hall, Jane Jerzak, Bob Paskowski, Erin Walker, and Traci Waugh, as well as Reep and Ross, who also served as curriculum developers.
The residency program is sponsored by NHA, the Nebraska Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, and the Nebraska Chapter of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management.
Resources:
PYA Center for Rural Health Advancement
PYA Revenue Cycle Improvement Advisory Services
PYA Revenue Management Overwatch
If you need guidance on revenue cycle, regulatory compliance, rural health, strategy and transactions, valuation, or other matters related to the healthcare industry, one of our executive contacts would be happy to assist.
