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+ Notifying the practice manager immediately when the payment is di erent than the contracted amount + Reviewing denials and submitting appeals in a timely manner + Communicating with the providers when trends are noticed in claims being denied The practice manager's responsibilities include such tasks as: + Ensuring adequate sta to handle the revenue cycle manage- ment process + Overseeing the entire revenue cycle process from scheduled appointment to payment + Ensuring the practice has appropriate policies and procedures pertaining to the revenue cycle + Preparing revenue cycle performance reports on a monthly basis and discussing with the physician leadership + Identifying trends that impact the financial health of the practice + Preparing a list of accounts to be turned over to a collection agency, or writing o the balance, and discussing this list with the providers + Regularly reviewing insurance contracts to ensure compliance, and attempting to negotiate better reimbursement + Ensuring all providers are credentialed with the insurance plans + Ensuring the computers, EMR, practice management system and other IT support equipment are updated to the latest version + Utilizing technology that may enhance your revenue cycle manage- ment, such as online insurance eligibility verification + Ensuring overpayments are refunded to the insurance payer or the patient in a timely manner Does your practice have a policy regarding a patient making a routine appointment if he or she has an outstanding balance? This may be a good topic to discuss with the physician leadership. All too often a patient may not be current with his or her payments, and the unpaid balance continues to grow. As you can see, every sta member has some level of responsibility in the revenue cycle. It is truly a team e ort, with each separate part dependent on the other. One weak link can cause negative e ects on the revenue cycle, which ultimately will reduce revenue for the practice. Concordis Practice Management can perform a Revenue Cycle Review of your entire process to ensure you are maximizing revenue, or perhaps provide insight into areas for improvement. Contact Concordis Practice Management today at 210-704-1014 for a consultation. ■