Carilion Clinic outsources revenue cycle operations to Ensemble Health Partners
VIRGINA, UNITED STATES—Non-profit health system Carilion Clinic recently announced its decision to outsource its revenue cycle operations to Ensemble Health Partners, an Ohio-based company specializing in healthcare administrative services.
This strategic partnership will see Ensemble take over Carilion’s billing, payments, and scheduling functions starting in September.
Not a cost-cutting measure
Carilion CFO Donald Halliwill clarified that the decision to outsource is not driven by cost-cutting measures but by the potential for improved financial performance through Ensemble’s advanced technology and resources.
“We do anticipate improvements in our collection yield as a result of this change,” he said, adding that these improvements would likely occur gradually.
Improved patient experience
Patients are expected to benefit from this transition as well. Ensemble’s involvement should enhance the ability to schedule appointments and improve cost transparency.
Ensemble Health Partners collaborates with numerous hospitals and health systems, aiming to allow healthcare providers to concentrate on patient care by handling administrative tasks.
The company plans to introduce tools into Carilion’s operations that will allow patients to complete pre-appointment health questionnaires online, streamlining the process.
“The pressures on health systems are real,” Ensemble’s founder, President & CEO Judson Ivy noted. “Ensemble is there to allow Carilion and all of our other health systems to focus on giving excellent clinical care and letting us handle the administrative part.”
Job security for affected employees
The transition will impact 780 Carilion employees currently working in revenue cycle roles. Halliwill assured these employees that they would be offered comparable positions at Ensemble with the same or higher pay and similar benefits.
“I understand and acknowledge that change like this causes concern for our employees. Our team is committed to making the transition as easy as possible,” Halliwill stated.
Ensemble’s founder, President & CEO Judson Ivy, emphasized that employees’ tenure would carry over, and they would receive a comprehensive benefits package.
“It may be different than what Carilion’s is, but it’s comprehensive and very competitive,” Ivy added.
A growing trend in healthcare
Carilion’s move reflects a broader trend in the healthcare industry towards outsourcing revenue cycle management to specialized firms.
Ensemble’s proven track record of delivering value and sustaining high performance played a significant role in Carilion’s decision. Just last April, medical firm Tower Health announced its decision to also outsource to Ensemble Health Partners.
With their new partnership with Carilion, Ensemble will now manage $34 billion in annual net patient revenue across various health systems.
