Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a candidate for outsourcing within the revenue cycle?

1. Health Care Patient Services

2. Patient Accounting

3. Patient Access

4. Health Information Management

The correct answer is: Health Care Patient Services

The reasoning behind identifying health care patient services as a candidate that is typically not outsourced within the revenue cycle involves the important nature of patient interaction and service quality. Patient services are crucial for building relationships and trust with patients, which can significantly impact patient satisfaction and retention. These services often require a deep understanding of the healthcare organization's culture, values, and specific needs, making them less suitable for outsourcing compared to other functions. Outsourcing tends to be more common for roles that are more transactional or administrative in nature, such as patient accounting, patient access, and health information management. These areas often involve standardized processes and can benefit from the efficiencies that outsourcing may provide, such as cost savings and access to specialized expertise. Consequently, while many components of the revenue cycle are potential candidates for outsourcing, patient services stand out as essential functions that are typically retained in-house to ensure a high level of service and patient engagement.