Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

What does an increase in the dollars aged greater than 90 days from the date of service indicate about accounts?

1. They are being processed efficiently

2. They require more staff training

3. They are not being processed in a timely manner

4. They need higher collection agency involvement

The correct answer is: They are not being processed in a timely manner

An increase in the dollars aged greater than 90 days from the date of service indicates that these accounts are not being processed in a timely manner. This aging metric typically reflects the efficiency of the revenue cycle management process. When accounts are aged beyond 90 days, it suggests delays in billing, payment collection, or follow-up activities, meaning that outstanding amounts are lingering longer than they should. Timely processing is crucial in managing revenue cycles effectively; accounts that remain unresolved for extended periods often lead to cash flow issues for healthcare providers. As time progresses, the likelihood of collecting on these accounts diminishes, and this can have significant financial implications. Hence, the increase in older aged accounts serves as a red flag, indicating inefficiencies and the need for prompt action to address the underlying issues causing the delays. In contrast, options concerning efficient processing, staff training, or collection agency involvement do not directly address the specific situation of increased aged accounts, making them less relevant in this context.