Revenue in Healthcare Innovation: ApolloMD
In another exciting edition of the Revenue in Healthcare Innovation Series, we had the privilege of hosting Tennille Lizarraga, the Executive Vice President of Revenue Cycle Operations at Apollo MD. In her current role as EVP of Revenue Cycle, Tennille oversees the daily operations of the revenue cycle for over 3,000 medical providers throughout the country. ApolloMD’s provider groups span seven specialties: anesthesia, emergency medicine, hospitalist medicine, radiology, rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility and transitional medicine. In this session, we had the opportunity to ask her about addressing RCM challenges at such scale.
Tennille's Journey
Tennille Lizarraga's journey with ApolloMD is a story of determination, growth, and passion for healthcare revenue cycle management. Starting in 2006 as an Accounts Receivable Representative, Tennille's role was crucial in ensuring that insurance carriers were paying for the services provided by ApolloMD's clinicians. Her dedication to her work and her ability to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry cemented her as an integral component of the ApolloMD ecosystem.
Over the years, Tennille's career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. She moved up through various positions, from director to manager, and eventually ascended to the role of Executive Vice President of Revenue Cycle. This progression is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of the revenue cycle operations within the healthcare sector.
Tennille's success is also a reflection of the supportive and dynamic environment at ApolloMD. She speaks highly of her team and the company, stating, "I really love what I do everyday, and the ApolloMD team overall is just an exceptional team to work with." This positive atmosphere has not only fostered her professional growth but has contributed to the overall success of the organization.
The ApolloMD Difference
Apollo MD stands out in the competitive healthcare industry for several reasons, one of which is its unique business model. The company is characterized by its clinician and employee ownership structure, low debt, and lack of private equity involvement. This approach has allowed ApolloMD to maintain a level of agility and independence that is rare in the industry.
Tennille, with her focus on revenue cycle management (RCM), highlights another critical aspect of ApolloMD's success: its adaptability. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with changes in insurance coverage and carrier behavior posing ongoing challenges. Tennille emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of these changes, stating, "We've really had to stay on top of being knowledgeable of how the carriers are going to move next."
Her insights into the necessity of being proactive and adaptable in the face of industry shifts underline the strategic approach that ApolloMD takes in navigating the complexities of healthcare revenue cycle management. This forward-thinking mentality is a cornerstone of ApolloMD's success and sets it apart in a crowded and ever-changing marketplace.
Building and Empowering RCM Teams
Building and empowering great teams is a critical aspect of ApolloMD's success. Tennille believes in providing her teams with the necessary tools to excel in their roles, resulting in a lean yet highly effective staffing model.
The Role of Technology
Technology, in particular Adonis Intelligence, plays a significant role in enhancing the efficiency of their RCM operations. It allows their representatives to focus on more complex tasks by automating routine processes like eligibility checks and claim status updates. Adonis Intelligence alerts their team to denials and trends, enabling them to address claims issues before they become something larger.
When asked about Adonis Intelligence, Tennille said the following:
“The dashboard has been amazing. It is allowing us to identify issues before they become monstrous. Before Adonis, it would take us longer to identify not only what the issue was, but how impactful it would be on our entire book of business. With Adonis, if we have an issue, it will immediately identify it for us, and it will bubble up all of the impacted inventory associated to that particular denial or hold that we’re seeing.” Tennille Lizzaraga, Executive Vice President of RCM at ApolloMD
Navigating Challenges in Revenue Cycle Management
One of the biggest challenges in revenue cycle management, according to Tennille, is dealing with denials from insurance carriers. She notes that the rate and reasons for denials have changed significantly, requiring a data-driven approach to identify and respond to denial trends swiftly. Apollo MD's partnership with Adonis has been instrumental in addressing these challenges.
Specialty-Specific Approach
Tennille's specialty-specific approach to revenue cycle management ensures that her teams are experts in their respective fields, from billing guidelines to coding requirements. This focus on mastery has led to better outcomes and a deeper understanding of the nuances of each provider.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Tennille envisions continued success, growth, and taking Apollo MD to the next level. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and innovation in the dynamic world of healthcare revenue cycle management.
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