Understanding Aged Accounts in Revenue Cycle Management

    When you're knee-deep in the world of revenue cycle management, understanding the nitty-gritty of accounts receivable is crucial. One perplexing indicator you might come across is the number of dollars aged greater than 90 days. You may wonder, what does this really mean for our financial health? Spoiler alert: it’s not good news!

    The reality is, an increase in these aged accounts typically signals an underlying issue in your collection processes. Think of it this way — if your bills are sitting uncollected for more than 90 days, it’s like letting a ripe banana sit on the counter. Eventually, it’s going to become less appealing and harder to deal with. Similarly, unresolved bills become harder to track down, more difficult to collect, and may even lead to disputes that eat away at your financial resources.

    So, what does this all boil down to? A clear answer: these aged accounts are not being processed in a timely manner. You’ve likely run into situations where follow-ups didn’t happen, where patient billing info wasn't accurate, or where charges were disputed for way too long. Each delay is a piece of the inefficiency puzzle. 

    But let’s delve into why this matters. First off, when accounts receivable start aging past the 90-day mark, it speaks volumes about your revenue cycle's efficiency—or lack thereof. It could suggest that adequate follow-ups on invoices are lacking. Perhaps there's confusion over what was billed versus what patients actually owe, leading to longer collection times. It’s a tricky situation that can lead to cash flow problems if not addressed. 

    If you’re shaking your head and questioning how to fix this, you're not alone—and thankfully, there are solutions. Start by assessing your billing processes: Are collectors following up regularly? Are your teams adequately trained to dispute and document effectively? Streamlining these operations can make quite a difference. 

    Here’s the thing — improving your processes may not happen overnight. It's all about refining your protocols and ensuring that your accounts receivable team is well-equipped to tackle these issues head-on. Maybe you need more efficient billing software or advanced training. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can bring clarity to an otherwise murky situation, right?

    Remember, the goal isn’t just to reduce the number of aged accounts above 90 days; it’s about boosting your overall revenue performance and making sure your practice thrives. After all, who doesn’t want to see the accounts turn from red to green?

    So, if you find yourself staring down that daunting figure of dollars aged greater than 90 days, take a moment to breathe and strategize. Identifying the root of the delays is step one, and implementing effective follow-ups is step two. With determination and the right tools, you’ll turn those aged accounts around—just like that banana that needed a fresh recipe to shine again!