Finding Civility in Payer Relationships: Audits, Reviews and HIM – HIM Scene

Jul 19, 2017

The following is a HIM Scene guest blog post by Greg Ford, Director, Requester Relations and Receivables Administration at MRO. This is the first blog in a three-part sponsored blog post series focused on the relationship between HIM departments and third-party payers. Each month, a different MRO expert will share insights on how to reduce payer-provider abrasion, protect information privacy and streamline the medical record release process during health plan or third-party commercial payer audits and reviews.

Civility is defined by Webster’s as courtesy and politeness. It is a mannerly act or expression between two parties. While civility in politics has waned, it appears to be on the rise in healthcare.

New opportunities for civility between payers and providers have emerged with the shift from fee-for-service to value-based reimbursement. Population health, quality payment programs and other alternative payment models (APMs) are opening the door to better collaboration and communications with payers. Optimal patient care is a mutual goal between payers and providers.

HIM professionals can also contribute to stronger payer-provider relationships. Our best opportunity to build civility with health plans and payers is during audits and reviews. HIM professionals who take the time to understand the differences will make notable strides toward a more polite and respectful healthcare experience.

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Greg Ford

In his role at MRO, Ford serves as a liaison between MRO’s healthcare provider clients and payers requesting large volumes of medical records for purposes of post-payment audits, as well as HEDIS and risk adjustment reviews. He oversees payer audit and review projects end-to-end, from educating and supporting clients on proper billing practices and procedural obligations, to streamlining processes that ensure timely delivery of medical documentation to the requesting payers.