During which stage of the Revenue Cycle does charge capture occur?

Charge capture occurs during the registration stage of the Revenue Cycle. This is the phase where healthcare providers document services rendered to patients and subsequently translate those services into billable charges. The registration process typically involves collecting patient information and confirming insurance details, but it also includes the critical step of capturing the charges for the services provided during the visit.

By accurately recording all relevant services and procedures at this stage, the facility ensures that claims submitted to insurance payers are complete and reflect the comprehensive range of care that patients receive. This foundational step is vital to maximizing revenue and minimizing claim denials due to inaccuracies or omissions in billing information.

In contrast, pre-registration is focused on gathering preliminary patient information before the actual visit, ensuring eligibility, and obtaining authorizations, without directly involving charge recording. Claim submission occurs after charges have been captured and involves sending the documented claims to payers. Finally, payment posting involves recording payments received from patients and insurers against the claims submitted and does not involve charge capture. Thus, the registration stage is where the charge capture process is effectively initiated.