St. Louis-based Ascension chose R1 RCM, a Chicago-based revenue cycle management services provider, to serve its medical group's physician practice care sites.
Ascension has used R1 for acute care-based revenue cycle services since 2016.
The parties said in the release the expanded relationship adds $2.5 billion of net patient revenue under R1 management, including the $500 million from the current Wisconsin Ascension pilot.
"As caregivers our focus is always on what's best for those we serve. That includes not only the clinical care we provide them, but their entire experience, from when they first search for a provider or site of care, to their treatment and follow-up, all the way through the reconciliation of the billing process," Joseph Cacchione, MD, president of Ascension Medical Group, said in a statement. "R1 will help us make sure our billing and reimbursement processes are clear, fair and efficient."
R1 and Ascension anticipate reaching a definitive agreement and beginning the arrangement in the second quarter of this year.
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