Improving Profitability by Improving Processes

Elements of Process Improvement

1.Recognize the current state of the practice

2.Define what plans must be in place to improve each state

3.Measure the systems that support the plans

4.Analyze gaps (variance) in system performance benchmarks

5.Improve system elements to achieve benchmarks

6.Control system-level characteristics critical to improvement

7.Standardize the systems that prove to be best in class

8.Integrate these systems into the business framework

Potential Areas for Process Improvement

Revenue cycle analysis

Patient throughput analysis

Denial analysis

Cost accounting

Code and modifier analysis

Reimbursement analysis

Patient Satisfaction (complaints)

Compliance risk analysis

Physician productivity analysis

Clinical outcomes