Episode 48 : Rethinking Denial Management: What the Data Is Really Telling You
Release Date: 02/03/2026
For The Love of Revenue Cycle
In this episode of “For the Love of Revenue Cycle,” host Vanessa Moldovan speaks with Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, associate professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and EMS Medical Director at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, about what community engagement looks like in 2026 and why it’s a smart investment for healthcare organizations. Dr. Sylvia (AKA Dr. O) shares examples sparked by the COVID era, including door-to-door outreach, language equity, and school-based pathway programs. They discuss why community initiatives are...
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ViVE Replay: Building Better RCM Automation with Agentic AI In this special episode, listen to Vanessa Moldovan present live at ViVE 2026. The talk covers identifying RCM and clinical-adjacent workflows ready for automation, ensuring automation solves rather than shifts problems, building CFO-ready ROI, implementing without disrupting operations, and using a framework to decide what to fix first. You'll learn more about high-impact automation areas (eligibility/benefits, prior auth, coding/claim review, payment integrity/contracts), get a clean explanation of agentic AI vs point solutions,...
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FTLORC Live Denials Q&A! 03/10/26 *Please note, the connection on the call dropped at the end, which is why there is a sudden cut-off. Vanessa Moldovan hosts a live community Q&A on denials and reimbursement, emphasizing end-to-end operational knowledge and root-cause fixes rather than siloed work. Nicolette shares a Medicare claim-rejection issue traced to offshore staff creating duplicate Medicare payer records with incorrect addresses, prompting new claim-entry guidelines. Participants discuss appeal effectiveness over sheer volume and trends in California denials, including Blue...
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In this episode of For the Love of Revenue Cycle, Vanessa breaks down why prior authorization and eligibility verification are two of the biggest drivers of preventable denials — and how getting them right is essential to clean claims and healthy cash flow. The discussion covers the foundations of payer requirements, the difference between denials and rejections, and where most revenue leakage actually occurs across the front end of the revenue cycle. Vanessa shares practical best practices for improving accuracy and efficiency in PA and EBV workflows, along with real industry data on denial...
info_outlineFor The Love of Revenue Cycle
In this episode of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' the focus shifts from traditional denial management strategies to understanding the power of denial data. Vanessa discusses the limitations of current systems and common misconceptions in how denial management is practiced. Emphasizing the importance of prevention over mere resolution, the episode explains how analyzing denial data can reveal underlying process flaws and drive meaningful improvements. Key points include distinguishing between denial reasons and root causes, the importance of visibility over precision, and the role of...
info_outlineFor The Love of Revenue Cycle
In this special episode of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' Vanessa Moldovan presents a recording of a recent webinar focused on the topic of Agentic AI. Approved by AAPC for one CEU, this episode dives into the reality of Agentic AI in revenue cycle operations. It explains what Agentic AI is, its difference from traditional automation or RPA, and how it addresses core issues like human error, payer complexity, and inadequate legacy technology. Practical, real-world applications in prior authorizations, eligibility verification, and document management are discussed, alongside the benefits of...
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In this episode of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' host Vanessa Moldovan delves into the complex and pressing topics of audits, compliance, and documentation. Joined by expert Brenda Edwards, who has extensive experience in healthcare revenue cycle, they discuss the rising frequency and importance of audits, sharing insights and real-world examples, including metadata and audit trails. Brenda emphasizes the need for thorough documentation to support services billed and advises on how to handle audit letters without panic. Practical advice is given to ensure that organizations remain compliant...
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In this webinar replay, host Vanessa Moldovan leads a discussion on the current state of the revenue cycle management (RCM). The episode kicks off the 'Drive to ViVE' webinar series, focusing on the lead-up to the event next year in Los Angeles, which will feature industry leaders discussing healthcare IT, business, and more. Vanessa addresses the major challenges in RCM, such as rising denial rates, fragmented workflows, and the dynamic changes in regulations and policies. She shares insights on denial prevention, education, and the adoption of smart technology, specifically Agentic AI, to...
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Conference Season Recap: Maximizing Value from Industry Events In this episode of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' host Vanessa Malon offers a comprehensive review of the conferences she attended this season, including Becker's, HBMA, MGMA, the Medical Cost Containment Series in Chicago, and the Invest Behavioral Health Conference. Vanessa discusses the key takeaways, the value of attending these events, and provides practical advice on how to maximize ROI, whether you're a leader or frontline worker. She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right conferences based on your goals, whether...
info_outlineFor The Love of Revenue Cycle
In this episode of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' host Vanessa Moldovan engages the community in a live Q&A session. The discussion covers the pressing issue of denials and reimbursement challenges in the healthcare industry. Key topics include recent policy changes by Cigna on automatic downcoding, the implications of DRG downgrades, and strategies for identifying downcoded claims. The episode also addresses how to measure denial rates, manage medical necessity denials, and successfully overturn denied claims. Expert insights and community contributions make this episode a valuable...
info_outlineIn this episode of 'For the Love of Revenue Cycle,' the focus shifts from traditional denial management strategies to understanding the power of denial data. Vanessa discusses the limitations of current systems and common misconceptions in how denial management is practiced. Emphasizing the importance of prevention over mere resolution, the episode explains how analyzing denial data can reveal underlying process flaws and drive meaningful improvements. Key points include distinguishing between denial reasons and root causes, the importance of visibility over precision, and the role of technology in optimizing denial management. A call to action encourages listeners to rethink denial management as a strategic, data-informed approach to enhancing organizational performance.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:15 Understanding Denial Management
00:58 The Role of Denial Data
05:14 Challenges in Using Denial Data
06:48 From Resolution to Prevention
07:49 Practical Steps for Denial Management
08:30 The Importance of Root Cause Analysis
10:07 Impact on Organizational Performance
11:46 Leveraging Technology and Automation
13:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts