Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

In resolving medical accounts, how might a law firm be utilized?

1. As an independent auditor of a financial assistance policy

2. As legal counsel regarding financing options

3. As an independent broker of patient financial assistance from banks

4. As a substitute for a collection agency

The correct answer is: As a substitute for a collection agency

Utilizing a law firm as a substitute for a collection agency is appropriate in situations where legal expertise is necessary for the collection of medical accounts. Law firms can offer a more formal approach to collecting debts, as they have the ability to enforce collection through legal channels that a traditional collection agency may not. This includes filing lawsuits, obtaining judgments, and initiating other legal actions to collect outstanding medical debts. This approach is often taken when standard collection practices have not yielded results, and the situation may require litigation to compel payment. The involvement of a law firm can bring additional authority and urgency to the collection process, potentially leading to faster resolutions. Other options, such as employing the law firm as an independent auditor, legal counsel for financing options, or a broker for financial assistance, do not directly address the fundamental need for debt collection in the context of medical accounts. These roles are more about providing advice or assistance rather than actively pursuing collection, which is the critical function addressed in the correct choice.