What is a typical role of Patient Financial Services (PFS) in the revenue cycle?

The role of Patient Financial Services (PFS) in the revenue cycle specifically focuses on the financial aspects of patient care, which includes managing billing inquiries. This involves addressing questions or concerns that patients may have regarding their bills, payment options, insurance coverage, and overall financial responsibility related to their healthcare services. PFS acts as a bridge between the patient and the healthcare facility in terms of financial communication, ensuring that patients understand their charges and facilitating the payment process. This vital function helps to improve patient satisfaction and streamline the revenue cycle by promoting timely collections and reducing disputes over billing.

The other roles mentioned, such as managing clinical operations, conducting medical research, and developing clinical guidelines, fall outside the purview of Patient Financial Services and are typically associated with clinical or administrative functions rather than financial management.