CRCR - Certified Revenue Cycle Representative Program Account Follow-Up and Collections Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Accounts Receivable (A/R) aging report shows a significant percentage of self-pay accounts in the 91-120 day bucket. What does this primarily indicate a problem with?

Accepted Answer

The effectiveness of the collections process.

Answer

The accuracy of charge capture.

Answer

Timely filing limits with payers.

Answer

The patient registration process.

Question 2

A patient with a large outstanding balance informs the collections specialist that they recently lost their job and cannot pay. What is the MOST appropriate initial action for the specialist to take?

Accepted Answer

Screen the patient for eligibility under the hospital's financial assistance policy.

Answer

Demand at least a partial payment immediately.

Answer

Advise the patient their account will be sent to a third-party agency.

Answer

Write the account off to bad debt.

Question 3

Which of the following activities is restricted under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) when performed by a third-party collector?

Accepted Answer

Discussing the details of the debt with the patient's neighbor.

Answer

Calling a patient at 3:00 PM on a weekday.

Answer

Sending the patient a written validation of the debt upon request.

Answer

Offering the patient a payment plan.

Question 4

During a follow-up call, a patient disputes a charge on their statement, stating it is incorrect. What is the best practice for the revenue cycle representative to follow?

Accepted Answer

Listen to the patient, place the disputed amount on hold, and initiate an account review.

Answer

Immediately transfer the patient to the clinical department.

Answer

Insist that the charge is valid and demand payment.

Answer

End the call and note the patient's refusal to pay.

Question 5

After all internal and external collection efforts for a patient's account have been exhausted and the balance is deemed uncollectible, the amount is typically written off and reclassified as:

Accepted Answer

Bad debt.

Answer

A contractual allowance.

Answer

A denial adjustment.

Answer

Charity care.

Question 6

Which of the following is a key goal of a proactive account follow-up and collections strategy?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the number of days accounts remain in accounts receivable (A/R).

Answer

To increase the number of patient complaints.

Answer

To maximize the amount of contractual allowances.

Answer

To ensure all claims are submitted within 365 days.