Strong medicine: rethinking the PFS (patient financial services) director's role

Burdened by accounts receivable problems and the growing complexity of patient accounting, hospitals soon may require an enhanced resume for individuals responsible for patient financial services (PFS) departments. Advanced skills in management, productivity, budgeting, analysis, and other areas increasingly must be put to work. Outdated perceptions also must change, giving PFS directors the influence needed to make change happen. A hospital's options include supporting course work toward an advanced degree, organizing rotation training in other hospital departments, or filling a PFS director position by searching for parallel skills in other service industries.