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Minnie Hamilton Health System, Calhoun's largest employer, has outsourced 10 positions in their billing department, but managed to find positions for most of their employees, according to CEO Steve Whited.
Whited said the ever changing and complex world of health care billing is only becoming more brutal with the health care reform mandates as well as new billing coding processes.
"We are not outsourcing due to financial matters, or the other typical reasons," Whited said.
"The health care environment is unlike any other. Between the complexity of the government and private insurance, patient payments, privacy rules and the new accountability regulations, most health care facilities are hard pressed to keep up," he said.
"After much analyzing and studying, we are outsourcing because it is the best scenario for this organization, employees and the community as a whole," Whited said in a press release.
"With outsourcing we intend to improve on many aspects, such as better collections and improved cash flow, with shortening the revenue cycle and improving efficiency, saving time and labor costs. Outsourcing gives MHHS access to knowledge pools, additional expertise, training, time flexibility and availability."
Current MHHS billing department employees that are affected by this change have been able to apply for employment opportunities with the outsourcing company as well as current openings within MHHS.
"There are 10 people in the billing department. With one retirement, seven
full time positions were offered, and it appears that the remaining two
individuals will be offered a six month contract, dependent upon the state
agency grant awards surrounding the Affordable Care Act," Whited said.
Patients should see only positive changes, as they will still contact us through a local number, pay bills in the same manner, and be able to stop in to speak face-to-face with a person to discuss billing questions.
"I truly care deeply for all of MHHS employees, and this has been an emotional roller coaster ride, not only are these individuals employees, they are my friends and neighbors. I have done all that I can to ensure the local impact of this necessary change is minimal," said Whited.
"We have worked diligently to assure a smooth transition, but I'm sure there will be bumps and hurdles along the way. I appreciate the continued support of our communities, board of directors, employees and staff," Whited concluded.
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