Ask a Revenue Cycle Leader is a new series featuring insights from health system and hospital revenue cycle executives nationwide. Becker’s poses questions on the most pressing issues — from payer relations and automation to workforce and patient experience. We welcome responses from all revenue cycle, finance and reimbursement leaders.
Question: How are you working to develop the next generation of revenue cycle leaders?
Editor’s note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Michelle Farrell. Vice President of Revenue Management at Orlando (Fla.) Health: Developing the next generation of revenue cycle leaders is not only a necessity but a privilege in which we are very passionate. We are intentional about creating pathways for our team members to connect with seasoned leaders, provide opportunities for them to learn through participation in formal leadership programs and university partnerships as well as informal settings like think tanks and book clubs. We coach and mentor our leaders, as subject matter experts, to be resources to further our operational and strategic initiatives all the while encouraging them to hone their skill sets in problem-solving, presentation skills, and networking. The exposure they receive to current challenges, the bigger picture of revenue cycle and the healthcare industry as a whole uniquely prepare them to continue the patient-centric, innovative brand Orlando Health revenue management is known for. We are strong advocates of engagement with the professional associations and conferences and encourage our leaders to take formal committee and board roles. It is our goal to inspire a new wave of professionals who lead with integrity, curiosity, courage, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Chris Fontes. Northern California Executive Director of Revenue Cycle at Kaiser Permanente (Oakland, Calif.):
We are focused on mentorship and continuous learning to develop the next generation of revenue cycle leaders. This involves pairing emerging leaders with seasoned professionals for hands-on experience and insightful guidance. Additionally, we invest in their growth by offering targeted educational development to develop skills based on the individual’s specific focus, skillset, and growth potential. We encourage them to take on challenging projects that hone their skills and utilize industry resources such as HFMA and NAHAM for external educational opportunities. We believe in nurturing talent and fostering an environment where future leaders can thrive.
Beste Kuru. Director of Revenue Cycle Management at United Medical (Wilmington, Del.): Developing the next generation of revenue cycle leaders is a systematic approach at United Medical. We empower individuals from a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds. We emphasize accessible feedback mechanisms and coordinated learning opportunities which help the individual gain the big picture perspective, as well as an opportunity to apply knowledge on detail-oriented, time-sensitive projects. Timely feedback is possible via daily case conferences which provide a platform for root-cause analyses and best resolution pathway reviews. Via our MGMA partnership, we also provide access to all online learning tools and CMPE certification programs, including dedicated business hours which can be used for learning purposes. Many of our leaders have earned or are working towards their CMPE certifications; some of us also took the next step and became a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE). Supporting attendance at industry conferences, continued monitoring of trends and guidelines are some of the other ways that shape the development path forward for future leaders in revenue cycle.
Next question: What is one book every revenue cycle leader should read and why? If you are interested in responding please send responses to Andrew Cass at acass@beckershealthcare.com.
