A colleague and I were recently discussing the general level of challenge in the healthcare industry with mergers and consolidations, layoffs of staff, and facility closures changing the landscape daily. Healthcare organizations are feeling economic pressure and taking steps to address critical revenue shortfalls. These organizations are making bold changes because they must but also because they can under the cover of everything else going on in our economy. It is a reasonable strategy and not false.

I was somewhat surprised to learn from my industry friend that they are seeing Compliance as one of the first areas to undergo attrition. Sure, why not? Cut out those pesky folks and processes that work hard to ensure the organization is adhering to the relevant laws and regulations, paid what it is owed (not more or less), and complying with the rules that ensure avoiding both short-term and long-term risks. What could go wrong?

So facing this swirl of uncertainty, what should we do? What is the right response for ourselves as HIM and RCM professionals, for the revenue cycle in general, whose critical duty it is to keep the cash flowing, and for our healthcare organizations charged with the divine responsibility of tending to our fellow humans who are sick?

I am reminded of an adage attributed to Winston Churchill: “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” To me this means that every challenging situation is also an opportunity to learn, grow, and implement positive changes. Healthcare has always had its share of challenging situations. Perhaps it is time for us to take advantage of the desire for solutions and make positive, industry-affirming changes that will position us and our organizations for future success.

Here is my advice:

1. Take control of your situation. If your coders and RCM teams are not meeting your expectations for quality or productivity, tell them they need to and then help them. Your people are your most valuable tools for success — your first line of defense against indefensible denials and aggressive audits. Advocate for them, train them, and give them the skills they need to ensure your coding is accurate and complete and your bills drop smoothly for reimbursement.

2. Make a bold move. In times like these, there is actually less risk in doing things differently. Whether it is a change of staff, a realignment of responsibilities based on new priorities, or finding new sources of professional development that can lead to actual performance improvement, it is best to do something, learn what you need to learn, make adjustments, and move forward.

3. Commit. Lastly, decide that you and your organization are going to be here a month, a year, and a decade from now and that you will do whatever is in your power to ensure it is. Be determined to thrive not just survive. It takes advocacy, courage and creativity. It takes focus and energy. It takes a willingness to do what needs to be done.

Not everything is in your control, so focus on controlling the things that depend on you.

We will be here. You can count on us.

Link to original article: https://libmaneducation.com/healthcare-in-interesting-times/?utm_source=coders-corner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LEI2025&utm_content=LE-Coders-Corner-Eblast-FRI-3-14-2025-6am