Mira Kvame: Columbia County Health System
Making "Levy Lemonade"
So, how has CCHS been doing since the failure of the levy three month ago? Well, we have been taking "levy" lemons and making lemonade. We are continuing our efficiency programs and outreach to the community. One example of our continued efficiency is the Billing Department. Upon the departure of John Burns, COO, the board has hired a Billing Office Manager, Justin Jorgenson, to focus solely on improving cash flow.
Justin's experience comes from the private sector, a surgical and clinical practice in Idaho Falls, ID. He and his wife, Chy, come to us with their two children, attracted to the beautiful scenic area, small community, and a favorable environment to raise their kids. He likes working in the medical field because of the constant challenges of change and the opportunity to serve the public. Justin wants to deliver such great service that customers come back and partner with us in their healthcare.
Since Justin's arrival, the Business Office has already improved the operation by collecting on many old claims that have been aging for some time. A key element in the improvement is the reports the team pulls and reviews weekly. These reports allow them to identify problems with claims much earlier and prioritize them. Some of the other changes the Business Office has made are to standardize workflow for each employee. To ensure optimal performance, Justin has gathered benchmarking data from similarly situated health systems. This helps us know how we are doing in comparison with other facilities and shows us where we need to improve.
To help us meet or even exceed your expectations, Justin and the Business Office ask that you do four things: 1) Keep us updated on any personal information changes. 2) Know your insurance (i.e. coverage and co-pays). 3) Keep account balances current. 4) Ask questions.
Ultimately, in conversing with Justin, he and his team feel "We're here to serve the patients and want them to feel comfortable asking questions about their accounts. We are eager and willing to do all we can to make your experience with us exceptional."
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