A Message From the Consulting Editor

Dear Subscriber:

Now that the final rule on ambulatory payment classifications (APCs) has been published, the new payment system will take effect July 1. Our jobs certainly will change dramatically as the process demands brought about by APCs will necessitate our thinking outside the box. As we grow in our awareness of what this dramatically new system requires, we will begin to identify ways to work together collaborativelysomething seemingly impossible to accomplish in todays territorial management situations.
To better prepare yourself and your co-workers during these transition months, here are a few suggestions:

1. Use a task force to help your facility prepare for APCs. A task force whose members come from each department within the facility will allow you to examine APCs from all angles.

2. Examine co-payment rates. With APC emphasis on co-payment rates and deadlines for establishing them, facilities must determine what approach will work best them.

3. Review your charge master. By having an up-to-date charge master, facilities can ensure their outpatient billing process is more controlled.

Caral L. Edelberg, CPC, CCS-P
President, Medical Management Resources Inc.
APC Alert Consulting Editor

- Published on 2000-06-01