Mountain West Medical Center Achieves 25.6% MVA Collections Increase
A prominent non-profit medical center in the Mountain West region was struggling with anemic hospital collections and a disjointed motor vehicle accident (MVA) claims process that confused patients and left significant revenue uncollected. After partnering with Aspirion, the hospital implemented comprehensive solutions including technical integration, legal expertise, and extensive staff education.
The results were impressive: a 25.6% increase in MVA collections within just six months, automated Epic payments for stabilized cash flow, comprehensive reporting that impressed leadership, and improved account aging and appeals processes.
This success story illustrates what’s possible when hospitals and health systems implement strategic MVA claims management. Let’s explore how your organization can achieve similar results.
Unlocking the Hidden Value in Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
Motor vehicle accident claims represent a substantial yet frequently overlooked revenue opportunity for hospitals and healthcare providers. With strategic approaches to identification, processing, and collection, these complex claims can significantly strengthen your financial performance.
Many hospitals lack specific protocols for handling MVA claims, resulting in substantial revenue leakage. Common pitfalls include inadequate case identification during registration, insufficient staff training, billing errors, and missed deadlines. Implementing targeted best practices can dramatically increase collections from these claims.
Well-executed MVA claims management doesn’t just improve your bottom line—it helps secure reimbursements for accounts that might otherwise receive no payment at all.
7 Strategic Steps to Maximize MVA Revenue
1. Registration Excellence
The registration process is your first and best opportunity to capture vital MVA information. Successful strategies include:
- Staff training on appropriate patient questions
- Implementing structured questionnaires
- Patient education on the billing process
- Securing at least one piece of information to enable effective follow-up
2. Comprehensive Case Identification
While identifying MVA cases during registration is optimal, implementing secondary-review processes is essential. Regular reports based on accident-related diagnosis codes can help identify missed MVA cases before timely filing deadlines expire.
3. Multi-Payer Investigation
MVA claims frequently involve multiple potential payment sources. Healthcare providers should explore all possible coverage options:
- First-party medical payments or personal-injury protection
- Health insurance (both commercial and governmental)
- Third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Legal experts emphasize that patients often misunderstand the process or hesitate to provide information, making well-trained staff with strong communication skills invaluable.
4. Strategic Coverage Coordination
After identifying all potential payers, the proper billing sequence based on state regulations becomes critical. Typically, first-party auto coverage takes priority, followed by health insurance and third-party liability—though requirements vary by state.
Submitting bills quickly to the correct MVA payer is paramount, as auto insurance typically pays claims in order of receipt, with limited funds available for first-party claims.
5. Payer-Specific Submission Protocols
Auto insurers often have distinct preferences for claims submission. Understanding and accommodating these preferences can accelerate payment and minimize denials. Even when patients claim lack of coverage, obtaining official payer denials can extend timely filing windows with other payers.
6. Payment Scrutiny
Auto insurers frequently apply inappropriate discounts or underpay claims. Healthcare providers should contest unsupported “usual and customary” reductions and verify that applied discounts have contractual authorization. For states with established fee schedules, ensure payments align with published rates.
7. Performance Measurement
Implementing robust tracking and benchmarking is essential for optimizing MVA programs. Key metrics to monitor include:
- Coverage identification rates
- Time to bill
- Payment success rates
- Payment-to-charge yield
- Missed opportunities due to timely filing or exhausted benefits
Measurable Financial Impact
Implementing these best practices can transform your MVA collections. Consider these potential improvements:
- Proper registration techniques could convert a $312 self-pay discount into a $3,900 payment
- Enhanced follow-up could secure a $5,250 payment instead of a complete write-off
- Secondary review processes could capture a $5,000 auto payment opportunity rather than settling for lower reimbursement
For more helpful MVA tips, watch Part 1 or Part 2 of Aspirion’s on-demand webinar, “Cracking the Code on Motor Vehicle Accident Claims: Boosting Your Hospital’s Bottom Line.”
Expert Partnership: The Competitive Advantage
While MVA claims management presents challenges, it offers significant opportunities to enhance collections and strengthen financial health. Partnering with experienced revenue cycle management specialists provides a distinct advantage.
The right partner brings specialized legal knowledge, seasoned professionals, and innovative technology to maximize your rightful reimbursements. With expert guidance, you can navigate intricate MVA claims processes and capture every dollar you’re entitled to receive.
Ready to transform your MVA claims into a powerful revenue stream? Contact us today to learn how our team can help you achieve exceptional revenue recovery results!
