It all comes back to the front end in the healthcare revenue cycle. It is certainly true with Advance Directive forms. The forms, to be completed by patients in case they are unable to make medical decisions for themselves, most often are presented by patient access staff members. But any lack of communication among access, nursing, and case management staff members can lead to unnecessary confusion and headaches come compliance checks.

Mandatory requirements from CMS, including the Fair Patient Billing Act, are on the minds of access managers lately. The goal is to comply and present Advance Directive forms in the most patient-friendly, transparent way.