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CAMC improves cash flow with optimization

by Charleston Area Medical Center

Published on 9/20/2021

After implementing Cerner Millennium® revenue cycle management solutions in 2016, Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) — a nonprofit regional referral center based in Charleston, West Virginia — worked closely with Cerner to optimize its clinically driven revenue cycle (CDRC) in 2018.

CAMC staff focused mostly on improving their bottom line by digging into CDRC, refining clinical decisions and the way charges were being dropped. The Cerner consulting team engaged the staff at CAMC to begin optimization efforts. They worked together to address denials, improve coding workflows and identify continual optimization opportunities.

“We’ve seen a monthly cash pickup of over $7 million,”1 said Christine Sturtevant, Associate Administrator of Revenue Cycle. “This is largely due to our work with the clean claim rate, as well as the various rules we put in to adjust non-covered items up front, compared to waiting on a denial.”

“We not only met the highest goal we have ever set for cash collections, but we exceeded it,” said Sturtevant. “The implementation of a clinically driven revenue cycle is very different than bolting on a revenue cycle product to a clinical electronic health record (EHR). This growth has forced my team to work with nursing, physicians, information systems and administration to get us where we are.”2

CAMC experienced an increase in average daily revenue (ADR) of more than $2 million3 due to all the improvements in revenue integrity, enhanced coding and charge capture.

Some contributing factors to CAMC’s success were its focus on accurately utilizing contract management, improving accuracy on the front end, and clinicians documenting in a timely manner.

"We continue to look for improvements in our revenue cycle and look forward to the next generation of Cerner tools to help CAMC achieve our goals,” said Jeff Sandene, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

1Comparing average monthly cash collection between 2020 and 2021, as of end of July 2021

2Sturtevant, Christine, LinkedIn, accessed Sept. 13, 2021, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/christine-sturtevant-30826114_camcproud-healthcare-growth-activity-6816366172762718209-rBJO/

3Comparing historical ADR average prior to January 2020 to ADR average in August 2021

Client outcomes were achieved in respective settings and are not representative of benefits realized by all clients due to many variables, including solution scope, client capabilities and business and implementation models.