CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: MEDICAL CLINIC OF NORTH TEXAS

Mike Yerrid, Chief Information Officer
Medical Clinic of North Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth
33 locations
www.mcnt.com

How was MCNT managing claims prior to implementing the Navicure revenue cycle management (RCM) solution?
We were using a traditional clearinghouse, with which we had negotiated a very favorable contract a number of years ago. But when we implemented a new practice management system in 2004, we asked that vendor for recommendations about “best of class” claims management systems that might be available to us. We had been having problems with the clearinghouse, resulting in poor cash flow. In one case, for instance, a number of HIPAA-compliant claims had been bundled with non-complaint claims and submitted to Medicare. Because of this, we received no payments from Medicare for three months – and the clearinghouse did not even notify us that there was a problem.

What process did you use to make a change?
We conducted research and solicited recommendations from professional colleagues. Ultimately, we reviewed three systems, but quickly recognized the value Navicure could bring to us. We were particularly impressed with two specific features of the Navicure solution:

• The online claims processing and Web-based tracking were user-friendly, automating a previously manual process and helping us to get paid more quickly;
• Navicure made a wide range of reports available to us, so we were always on top of our revenue cycle, could correct problem areas and operate much more efficiently.

How would you describe your experience working with Navicure?
It has been excellent. We are particularly impressed with client services. Navicure answers each call in three rings or fewer. We have had the opportunity to test this commitment a number of times and they have always kept their promise. Our experience with our previous clearinghouse was just the opposite – we often waited days for response. Navicure likewise proved its dedication to customer service on one occasion where we ran into some technical, procedural and training issues, largely due to transitions within our staff. Navicure flew a team out to our site to help us get back on track. It turned out that the Navicure application offered new features that we weren’t using correctly and Navicure jumped right in to provide assistance.

What outcomes have you achieved since adopting the Navicure solution?
There have been a wide range of benefits. Accounts receivables, for example, ran at 41 days in 2004. Now they are at 29-31. Prior to implementing Navicure, our claims rejection rate was about 10% – but now it ranges from 1-3%. The practice now processes more than 50,000 transactions electronically each month, representing millions of dollars in revenue.

We’ve also been able to utilize our staff resources better. Instead of focusing on data entry, staff members now devote time to more productive activities like collections and analysis.

In addition, Navicure has helped us keep abreast of all the changes the healthcare industry has experienced in recent years – HIPAA, NPI and others. Navicure is always at the forefront, looking ahead and serving as the driving force to ensure their clients are ahead of the curve.

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