Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

What process can be used to shorten claim turnaround time?

1. Send low-dollar claims with expedited receipts

2. Request direct payment from patients

3. Send high-dollar hard-copy claims with required attachments by overnight mail

4. Use electronic submission only for all claims

The correct answer is: Send high-dollar hard-copy claims with required attachments by overnight mail

Using electronic submission for all claims is a highly effective way to shorten claim turnaround time. Electronic submissions are generally processed more quickly than paper claims because they eliminate several manual steps that can delay payment. When claims are submitted electronically, they can be transmitted directly to the payer's system, often allowing for quicker validation and response times. This method reduces the potential for errors that can occur when handling paper claims, such as lost documents or incorrect information. Additionally, electronic claims can facilitate quicker communication with payers, enabling faster resolutions of any issues or discrepancies. While overnight mailing of high-dollar claims ensures faster physical transport, it still involves manual handling and processing by the payer once received. Likewise, sending low-dollar claims expedited or requesting direct payments from patients may not address the systemic delays in claim processing. Therefore, the nature of electronic submission serves to streamline the overall claims process, providing significant efficiency gains.