Blake Evans, the new System Vice President of Revenue Cycle at Rush Health, is focused on creating a more efficient revenue system. He believes in a targeted approach, saying “I want to consolidate and streamline our operations.” His background in consulting and firsthand experiences have shaped his strategy.
In his first month, Evans interviewed over 75 leaders and stakeholders to understand the current challenges. He found that as Rush expanded, its revenue cycle operations became disjointed. Each campus operated under its own structure, which made things more complicated.
To tackle this, Evans plans to centralize revenue functions into unified teams. This change aligns with a broader project to unify all revenue cycle activities in a single Epic environment. Recently, they made over 1,000 process adjustments in Epic, standardizing roles across the system.
Understanding both clinical and financial goals is crucial. Evans is integrating clinical teams into revenue processes, so nurses and doctors are now more involved in areas like prior authorization and appeals. Monthly governance meetings with clinical leadership ensure collaboration at every level. “They understand both the clinical and financial sides,” Evans notes, emphasizing how this balance helps bridge gaps.
Technology plays a big role in Evans’ vision. Many leaders face tough choices between using their EHR’s native tools or trying third-party solutions. However, Rush is committed to leveraging Epic’s tools first and is eager to adopt new technologies. For instance, Rush was among the first to launch an Epic AI billing chatbot, which helps patients with billing questions and reduces call center loads.
The health system’s push for a stronger tech presence is aimed at improving patient experiences. Their recent introduction of flexible payment methods, like Google Pay and Apple Pay, showcases this dedication to convenience. They have also earned Epic diamond status for accuracy in patient estimates.
Since Evans took the helm, key performance indicators have shown positive trends. His service-first mindset drives improvements, making him a leader who values both results and his team’s input. “A true leader surrounds themselves with great people,” he states, reflecting his collaborative approach.
In a landscape where healthcare technology continues to evolve, Evans’ strategies may well set a standard for other systems to follow. Reports indicate that around 75% of healthcare organizations are now prioritizing integrated technologies, reflecting a shift towards seamless operations.
For more insights on healthcare financial trends, you can explore the Health Affairs report.
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AI, revenue cycle, technology
