Restructuring patient financial services for maximum effectiveness

Following its formation as a regional IDS, John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System in Walnut Creek, California, adopted an innovative approach to reorganizing its patient financial services (PFS) functions. Instead of consolidating all PFS functions into a single centralized business office, the IDS divided PFS leadership responsibilities into two areas: daily operations and technical functions. The director of daily operations oversees PFS clerical staff who are responsible for admitting functions, billing, follow-up, and related activities. The director of technical functions is responsible for implementing, uploading, and maintaining the various information systems; contract tracking and compliance; and regulatory compliance.