Editor's note: We asked patient access managers to share with us their success stories from 2008 and what they look forward to in 2009. The following is a continuation from last week?s submission by Catherine Pallozzi, patient access director, Albany (NY) Medical Center:

• We created puzzles for year prizes. Our management team purchases and creates a themed gift basket. All puzzles throughout the year are placed in a drawing. The more puzzles you complete the better your odds are of winning.

Here are some things we are looking forward to in 2009:

• Implementation of a front-end price estimate software application
• Realignment of preregistration activity to include pre-financial counseling
• Exploring ED bedside collection, as opposed to a dedicated discharge desk that is currently in place
• Further concentrated focus on identifying and reaching out to our uninsured population sooner.
• Partnering with vendors and insurance companies that support a facilitated enrollment programs.