Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle

Systems Matter. Why Stride is RCS’s Preferred Platform From Systems Efficiencies and Data Perspectives.

In this episode of Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast, host Robert Kowalick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] talks with Craig Brasington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbrasington/], Vice President of Revenue at Stride Therapy, Inc., about how technology, data, and process improvement can strengthen revenue cycle performance in healthcare. Bob reveals why Stride is Revenue Cycle Solutions (RCS) #1 preferred physical therapy PM to perform the billing process in. This is not an opinion. This distinction is based on RCS’s proprietary database of billing task time. RCS tracks time to the minute on 50 different billing tasks. After normalizing for non-system-related complexities and time inflators, something only RCS can do, Stride emerges from the pack as the most efficient Physical Therapy PM platform. If you have listened to Bob before, you know that Revenue Cycle Management outcomes are all about time. Craig shares his background in the PT software industry, including his early work with Clinicient, and explains how Stride was built to reduce inefficiencies across scheduling, documentation, billing, and patient intake. They walk through how Stride was built on FinTech architecture for continuous evolution rather than a legacy EMR-on-top-of-a-scheduler. Foundational architecture determines functionality and ease of upgrading systems, and is why other common PT industry systems break when upgrades occur. Craig joined Stride because of how its founders — CEO Dan and CTO Ryan — approached the build: not as another EMR, but as a modular, FinTech-derived platform that can keep evolving without breaking what already works. Robert and Craig discuss how RCS and Stride are working together to improve revenue cycle outcomes through better data, automation, and workflow optimization. They also explain how Revenue Cycle Complexity (RCC) data helps identify the root causes of billing problems, improve efficiency, and support both in-house and outsourced billing teams. Robert and Craig believe that aligning technology, data, and operational processes is key to building stronger and more scalable healthcare businesses. This is why RCS, Ascend, and Stride are working strategically together to connect Practice Data Solutions (PDS) intelligence into Stride's persona-specific dashboards so practice owners, front desk staff, and therapists can see and act on the upstream conditions that drive downstream revenue cycle outcomes. With decades of experience in the physical therapy software industry, Craig Brasington has focused on helping PT practices improve RCM outcomes through technology and workflow design. Beginning with his earlier work with Clinicient, Craig has helped practices reduce operational challenges, improve patient intake and billing processes, and create stronger connections between technology and revenue cycle management. Stride, RCS, and Ascend are working together to use data, automation, and workflow visibility to help healthcare businesses improve financial performance, reduce inefficiencies, and become more scalable in a changing healthcare environment. EXPECT TO LEARN 1. Why RCS, Ascend, and Stride are working together to improve revenue cycle outcomes through better technology, better data, and optimized workflow design. 2. Why reducing inefficiencies in patient intake, front desk operations, and documentation can improve billing performance and financial results. 3. How automation, AI, and real-time data visibility can help healthcare organizations reduce operational problems and improve efficiency. 4. Why strong integrations between software systems, billing teams, and operational processes are important for scalable healthcare businesses. 5. How better reporting, workflow visibility, and revenue cycle data can help practices improve financial stability and create the foundation for long-term growth. 6. Why a feature checklist tells you nothing about the quality of a PM. 7. Why captive stacks (EMR, PM, Clearinghouse, and Billing) all combined under one vendor are structurally inferior and high-risk for practice owners. TIMESTAMPS [00:00] – Teaser [01:00] – Introduction to Craig Brasington and Stride [04:09] – The Origins of Clinicient and Solving Workflow Gaps [08:19] – Revenue Cycle Complexity and Internal Practice Issues [13:17] – Fixing Problems Early in the Revenue Cycle Process [17:38] – Using Data and Dashboards to Improve Efficiency [23:08] – Supporting Both In-House and Outsourced Billing Teams [29:35] – Choosing Technology Based on Long-Term Business Needs [32:19] – Building Stride Around AI and Continuous Innovation [39:37] – How AI Can Improve Healthcare Workflows and Billing [50:13] – Why Customization and System Stability Matter Follow Craig Brasington on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbrasington/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbrasington/] Follow Robert Kowalick on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] 👉 Company Website - https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/ [https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/] Follow Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast: 👉 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle [https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle] 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/ [https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/] 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/ [https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/]

Why I Hired a Software and Systems Engineer as President of My RCM Services and Time Analytics Data Companies, with Dan Loch

In this episode of Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast, host Robert Kowalick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] introduces Daniel Loch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielloch/], the President of Revenue Cycle Solutions, LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/revenue-cycle-solutionsllc/] and Ascend Solutions LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-solutions-llc-co/]. The headline: Bob deliberately put a software engineer and systems engineer in the president seat of an RCM, data and time analytics company. Dan's journey started in Chrysler plant-floor systems, a medical records and PM startup, starting RCM services at TriZetto Provider Solutions now Cognizant, running sales at EZClaim, and developing and running iCloud Pro for EZClaim before joining Bob at Revenue Cycle Solutions and Ascend Solutions. In his time at EZClaim, Dan integrated with thousands of healthcare practices doing billing in-house and hundreds of RCM / billing services companies. Robert and Daniel discuss how all those companies struggled with the same problems through similar structures yet none of them had a solution that addressed the root causes of those problems except RCS and Ascend. Revenue Cycle Solutions uses proprietary data and the Ascend Solutions Practice Data Solutions data platform to convert biller experience into business intelligence to quantify Revenue Cycle Complexity (“RCC”) and reduce it through engineering Billing Time Supply models to match wildly varying Billing Time Demand conditions. Dan joined Bob because Bob had developed the only model in healthcare that can align all stakeholders around the right data and common objectives. Working with Bob in RCS and Ascend through a unique time analytics based model driven by proprietary data and an emerging technology was just the right move for Dan at this point in his career and what Bob needed at this stage of business evolution. Inventor Dean Kamen said, every once in a while, a new technology, an old problem and a big idea turn into innovation. That is exactly what is happening at RCS and Ascend. On today’s episode, we discuss how to identify the root causes of revenue complexities and the potential benefits of dynamic time supply models. He highlights the challenges posed by high denial rates and the need for future technological solutions, such as workflow automation and AI integrations. His insights provide practical steps for healthcare providers to lower administrative complexity, improve financial outcomes, and build enterprise value. With a broad background in software engineering and systems engineering, Daniel Loch has a deep understanding of RCM business processes and operational control systems. Bob and Dan discuss the real sources of problems in the way of getting all the money, fast, and cost-effectively. Bob and Dan walk through why the two main industry-default structures fail, and why a variable time supply model is needed. They discuss their new Billing Time Demand calculator about to be put into action and close on AI: a two-year horizon for practice owners, not ten — and why an RCS and Ascend as an RCM partner that understands the functional realities of healthcare businesses is the best positioned to lead RCM organizations and practices through the AI whirlwind that is underway. EXPECT TO LEARN -How Revenue Cycle Solutions helps healthcare practices maximize business intelligence and reduce process-based revenue risks. -How functional intelligence silos contribute to time-demand escalation and how to manage teams effectively. -Why converting day-to-day biller experience into RCM intelligence is essential to success. -How regular root cause time analytics and metrics can prevent claim issues. -Why a time-based approach to data, process and system design today is the required foundation for future enterprise value for healthcare practices. -Why you’re standing at a fork in the road today with a 2-year horizon to reinvent your healthcare business in the context of AI. -Why RCS and Ascend are uniquely positioned to lead healthcare from its chaotic, structurally flawed, poor outcome condition today to a streamlined, controlled outcome-based future. TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] - Teaser [01:11] - Introduction of guest Daniel Loch [04:45] - From Software Engineering to an MBA [13:47] - True Partnership and Data Utilization [21:17] - Revenue Cycle as a Time-Based Problem [27:59] - Root Cause Analysis and Self-Inflicted Burden [33:49] - Fixed Time Supply Versus Variable Demand [43:30] - Workflow Automation and AI Agents [54:49] - Closing Thoughts and Final Advice Follow Daniel Loch on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel ielloch/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielloch/] Follow Guest’s Companies on: - Revenue Cycle Solutions, LLC: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/revenue-cycle-solutionsllc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/revenue-cycle-solutionsllc/] 👉 Website - https://revenuecyclesolutionsllc.com/ [https://revenuecyclesolutionsllc.com/] - Ascend Solutions LLC: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-solutions-llc-co/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-solutions-llc-co/] 👉 Website - https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/ [https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/] Follow Robert Kowalick on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] 👉 Company Website - https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/ [https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/] Follow Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast: 👉 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle [https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle] 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/ [https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/] 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/ [https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/]

How Internal Complexity Breaks Revenue for Healthcare Leaders to Prevent Denials and Delays

In this episode of Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast, host Robert Kowalick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/], Founder & CEO of Revenue Cycle Solutions, LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/revenue-cycle-solutionsllc/] and Ascend Solutions, LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-solutions-llc-co/], discusses how and why revenue cycles fail in healthcare practices. Robert explains that failure is usually caused by internally generated complexities, lack of a “revenue cycle team” alignment, and inadequate revenue cycle systems and controls. He emphasizes the importance of reducing complexity, improving collaboration, and understanding billing time demand and the need to balance that with a data driven billing time supply model to achieve better revenue cycle outcomes. Listeners will learn how revenue cycle complexity drives billing time demand and ultimately determines revenue cycle outcomes. Robert shares real data proving how internal revenue cycle processes, not payers, are the source of poor revenue cycle outcomes. He explains how reducing complexity by optimizing administrative workflows, and aligning teams can improve cash flow, lower costs, and create more stable and scalable healthcare businesses. Robert Kowalick is a revenue cycle expert who works closely with healthcare providers, especially physical therapy practices. He focuses on helping organizations identify, quantify and ultimately prevent revenue cycle failures through better data as the foundation for focus areas and action plans. His work for many years has centered on reducing revenue cycle complexities to build more efficient and effective revenue cycle operations and ultimately better healthcare businesses. EXPECT TO LEARN: -How revenue cycle complexity is the number one driver of billing time demand -Why most revenue cycle complexities come from internal revenue cycle processes external to the billing process -Why billing time supply must match billing time demand to keep AR clean and how to know what your billing time supply needs to be -Why functional silos prevent revenue cycle optimization -Why reducing complexity is the number one most effective revenue cycle strategy by far for improving revenue cycle outcomes: aligning teams, improving conversion of potential revenue to cash, minimizing days in AR and creating cost effective revenue cycle delivery systems TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] – Teaser [00:57] – Defining Revenue Cycle and Understanding If, When, and How Much [05:12] – Why Healthcare Businesses Are Revenue Cycle Dependent [09:27] – Universal Objectives of Revenue Cycle Management Explained [19:33] – How Team Structure and Functional Silos Lead to Failure [23:18] – Building a Collaborative Culture and Problem Solving Approach [26:28] – How Complexity Drives Time Demand in Revenue Cycle [32:50] – Internal Process Errors as the Primary Source of Complexity [37:35] – Impact of Complexity on Billing Time and Denial Management [42:33] – Fixed vs Variable Time Supply Models in Billing Operations [01:09:17] – Final Takeaways on Reducing Complexity and Improving Outcomes Company LinkedIn: 👉 Revenue Cycle Solutions, LLC - https://www.linkedin.com/company/revenue-cycle-solutionsllc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/revenue-cycle-solutionsllc/] 👉 Ascend Solutions, LLC - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-solutions-llc-co/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascend-solutions-llc-co/] Company Website: 👉 Revenue Cycle Solutions, LLC - https://revenuecyclesolutionsllc.com/ [https://revenuecyclesolutionsllc.com/] 👉 Ascend Solutions, LLC - https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/ [https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/] Follow Robert Kowalick on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] Follow Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast: 👉 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle [https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle] 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/ [https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/] 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/ [https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/]

IT and Systems Compliance and HIPAA Risk in the Era of AI with Live Compliance Founder and President, with Jim Johnson

In this episode of Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast, host Robert Kowalick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] talks with Jim Johnson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesvjohnson13], the Founder and President of Live Compliance [https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-compliance], which specializes in HIPAA compliance management in today’s fast-changing healthcare environment. Jim shares his expertise in helping healthcare organizations identify and mitigate technology and remote workforce HIPAA compliance risks. Robert and Jim discuss how Live Compliance has helped RCS eliminate HIPAA compliance risk after being forced to go 100% remote by COVID. Jim discusses how to safeguard Protected Health Information (PHI) and the potential consequences of a PHI breach. Jim highlights the challenges posed by remote workforces and the need for proper security measures, such as workstation controls and continuous staff training. His insights provide practical steps for healthcare providers to mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and protect PHI effectively. With over 20 years of experience in technology-based HIPAA compliance, Jim Johnson has a deep understanding of HIPAA regulations and technology risk management. After founding Live Compliance, Jim quickly recognized the growing challenges healthcare organizations face, especially with remote workforces and the increasing use of AI. By focusing on proper compliance strategies, staff training, and effective risk assessments, Jim has helped many healthcare providers safeguard patient information and reduce their risk of potentially business-ending PHI breaches. His expertise has been instrumental in empowering practices to maintain HIPAA compliance, secure sensitive data, and protect their long-term success in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. EXPECT TO LEARN -How Jim Johnson and Live Compliance help healthcare organizations maximize HIPAA compliance and reduce technology-based PHI risks. -How AI usage introduces new compliance risks and how to manage them effectively. -How remote workforces introduce new compliance risks and how to manage them effectively. -Why continuous staff training and testing are essential to maintaining compliance. -How regular risk assessments and compliance checks can prevent issues before they arise. -Why a proactive approach to compliance and security ensures long-term stability for healthcare practices. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:00] - Teaser [00:03:29] - Introduction to Jim Johnson [00:05:17] - What is PHI, Really? [00:15:54] - Workforce as the First Line of Defense [00:26:20] - Can You Trust ChatGPT with PHI? [00:41:53] - Top 5 Compliance Must-Haves [00:45:23] - AI in Revenue Cycle Management [00:56:09] - Peace of Mind Through Compliance [00:59:22] - Closing Thoughts Follow Jim Johnson on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesvjohnson13 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesvjohnson13] Follow Live Compliance on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-compliance [https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-compliance]  👉 Website - https://www.livecompliance.com/ [https://www.livecompliance.com/] 👉 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livecompliance/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/livecompliance/?hl=en] 👉 X - https://x.com/livecompliance [https://x.com/livecompliance] Follow Robert Kowalick on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] 👉 Company Website - https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/ [https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/] Follow Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast: 👉 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle [https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle]  👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/ [https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/] 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/ [https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/]

The Right Data and How it Drives Automation Strategic Development Selection and Sequencing with Moative Co-Founder and CEO, Ashwin Ramasamy

In this episode of Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast, host Robert Kowalick [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] talks with Ashwin Ramasamy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinramasamy/], Co-founder and CEO of Moative [https://www.linkedin.com/company/moative], a company helping businesses in energy, industrial, and healthcare sectors navigate AI and automation. Ashwin shares his journey of building and selling multiple tech companies before focusing on guiding industries through strategic automation transformations. Robert and Ashwin discuss how they came together to collaborate on RCS’s and Ascend’s joint automation evolution. In a nutshell, PDS is the only RCM data platform providing the “right data”. Ashwin and Robert discuss how PDS’ Revenue Cycle Complexity (RCC) data provides the actionable intelligence needed to integrate and align humans and automations in RCM workflows. AI facilitating RCC reduction while simultaneously expanding billing time supply is the two-pronged attack underway in RCS and Ascend. Robert believes this is the only automation development strategy that makes sense in RCM today and Ashwin agrees. RCC is the counterforce to accomplishing all revenue cycle objectives today. Robert and Ashwin are teaming up to prevent and fix the root causes of financial illness in US healthcare today. The right data, reducing complexities, optimizing processes with human and automation integration, is what is needed to build financially stable and scalable healthcare businesses today and Robert and Ashwin are teaming up to provide the pathway forward. RCC and the out-of-control billing time inflation it causes are at pandemic levels in US healthcare today. Ashwin and Robert discuss how AI can optimize business operations and revenue cycles by reducing complexity, improving efficiency and effectiveness. Ashwin emphasizes the importance of using the right data to quantify billing time demand and using intelligent AI to prevent complexity and improve time supply and outcomes. He provides insights on how leveraging AI-driven intelligence can create more scalable and efficient businesses in today's competitive landscape. With years of experience in building and selling tech companies, Ashwin Ramasamy had a strong foundation in technology but needed a deeper understanding of how AI could transform industries. Through his work at Motive, Ashwin has helped organizations use data and AI to reduce operational complexity, optimize business processes, and improve financial outcomes. Motive, RCS and Ascend are positioned to be key players in helping healthcare businesses become more scalable and competitive in a fast-evolving landscape. EXPECT TO LEARN -Why Robert and Ashwin have come together to create intelligent automation solutions for the Physical Therapy industry and beyond. -Why data driven workflow automation selection, sequencing and complexity reduction are crucial to maximizing AI investment outcomes. -Why data driven “humans in the loop” automation integration is the pathway forward and not replacing humans. -Why AI investments and plans have had such a high failure rate. -How Robert and Ashwin are strategically building and implementing AI into RCM workflows. * Why AI will not change the need for data quantifying RCM outcomes and automation effectiveness. TIMESTAMPS [00:00] – Teaser [01:33] – Introduction & Context [02:54] – Meet Ashwin Ramasamy [03:42] – The Core Business Problem in Revenue Cycle [10:43] – Complexity as the Hidden Cost in Billing [14:28] – The Problem with EMR & PMS Systems [18:02] – Redefining Revenue Cycle with AI [23:52] – Engineering the Billing Time Supply Model [26:27] – AI’s Role in Reducing Grunt Work and Scaling Intelligence [34:47] – Quantifying Complexity & Operational Time Inflators [39:52] – Training AI with Wisdom, Not Just Intelligence [44:36] – The Road Ahead: Integration Over Replacement Follow Ashwin Ramasamy on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinramasamy/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinramasamy/] 👉 X - https://x.com/Ashwinizer [https://x.com/Ashwinizer] 👉 Company LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/moative [https://www.linkedin.com/company/moative] 👉 Company Website - https://www.moative.com/ [https://www.moative.com/] Follow Robert Kowalick on: 👉 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-kowalick-610502102/] 👉 Company Website - https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/ [https://ascendsolutionsllc.com/] Follow Rehabbing Your Revenue Cycle Podcast: 👉 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle [https://www.youtube.com/@RehabbingYourRevenueCycle] 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/ [https://www.facebook.com/RehabbingYourRevenueCycle/] 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/ [https://www.instagram.com/rehabbingyourrevenuecycle/]