An illustrative representation of a workflow process can be shown in a flow chart.

1 There can be
many benefits to using a flow chart but the greatest is its use as a training aid. For new
employees, it can be a clear and concise way to approach a detailed process and ensure that steps
are not missed. For seasoned employees, it can help when it is necessary to complete procedures
that may not be done on a regular basis.
As we know from previous discussions, billing is a big job in a department. The flow chart
shown below is unique in that, when accessed online, will describe exactly what is involved in
each step of the billing process if you roll over any particular part of the process.2 If steps in the
process are skipped or forgotten then revenue can be lost by the facility. This flow chart shows
the basic flow of work beginning with the patient encounter to the collection of the claim. The
company, KLA healthcare consultants, displays this chart as an example and is the flow chart of
their billing process. It can also be customized to meet the needs of other individual practices.
The facility where I am does not have any active flowcharts for ANY process in the department.
I think there would be a great benefit to having a flowchart for billing because of its complexity.
The biggest issue though would be keeping the chart up to date with the many changes that occur
annually with reimbursement.

1. Lenards N. Operational Issues in Radiation Oncology: Continuous Quality Improvement.

[SoftChalk]. LaCrosse, WI: UW-L Medical Dosimetry Program; 2011.
2. KLA Healthcare Consultants. Visual Flow Chart. KLA healthcare website.
http://www.klahealthcare.com/billing-flowchart. Accessed December 5, 2015.