The McKesson Corp. is boosting its RelayHealth connectivity services business with the acquisition of HTP, a Columbus, Ohio-based provider of healthcare compensation services.
HTP's software solutions, including RevRunner and MedRunner, connect providers, health plans and financial institutions and are designed to promote timely reimbursement for patient services, ranging from verification of insurance eligibility to the maintaining of payment plans for self-pay balances. Such services are particularly important in the tracking and resolution of uncompensated healthcare, which was estimated by the American Hospital Association at $31.2 billion in 2006.
McKesson's RelayHealth offers a portfolio of financial clearance and settlement services for hospitals, health systems and physician practices, including ePREMIS claims management and the Patient Compass online business office.
"The healthcare revenue cycle market model is shifting from collecting payments after the visit to a more retail-oriented approach, beginning before the patient actually arrives to receive care," said Pamela Pure, president of McKesson Technology Solutions, in a press release. "We can now provide the tools and financial information needed to support patients and their care providers as they plan, receive and manage the financing of their care. Providers are pleased with HTP's unique subscription approach that enables them to take full advantage of financial services as often as necessary without fear of exceeding their operational budgets."
HTP's RevRunner helps healthcare organizations organize financial assistance for patients needing help with their bills and coordinates insurance payments and compensation. The company's MedRunner software supports healthcare information exchange networks and is currently being used by the Utah Health Information Network and Ohio Medicaid.
"HTP's mission has been to deliver efficient and secure automation of financial, clinical and administrative processes," said Ray Shealy, the company's president and CEO. "Joining forces with RelayHealth enables us to leverage our technologies to make a positive impact on healthcare operations."