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Chamberlin Edmonds to Provide Eligibility Services for University of Kentucky Healthcare

Posted on: Thursday, 10 April 2008, 15:01 CDT

Chamberlin Edmonds today announced a three-year contract with the University of Kentucky Healthcare System to provide eligibility services for UK Chandler Hospital and UK Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington.

The firm has specialists on site at both hospitals to help uninsured and under-insured patients qualify for medical care and disability benefits in various government programs.

Serving as patient advocates, the specialists screen patients for government funding. The Chamberlin Edmonds specialists also help eligible patients cope with the lengthy, complex application and review processes required by many government programs.

Most hospitals face the challenge of recovering revenue billed for services performed for uninsured and underinsured patients. Everyday, when uninsured and underinsured patients are discharged from American hospitals, millions of uncollectable dollars leave with them.

"Chamberlin Edmonds was recommended to us by University HealthSystem Consortium. We evaluated two firms extensively, and selected Chamberlin Edmonds based primarily on its fair pricing and its analysis of potential reimbursements for 100 actual cases written off to bad debt," said Edward Erway, director of revenue cycle at UK Healthcare.

Eight eligibility specialists from Chamberlin Edmonds have just started screening patients, and Erway said he is already getting good feedback on their performance. His goal for the new screening process: an increase in net revenue for UK Healthcare of at least $12 million annually.

"The opportunity to serve this highly acclaimed healthcare system and its patients is a great honor," said Kirk Reid, Chamberlin Edmonds executive vice-president. "UK Healthcare's goals are challenging, but by achieving them, we will also be assisting hundreds of patients who currently have little or no income or support resources."

About University of Kentucky Healthcare System

Established in 1957, UK HealthCare consists of the medical, nursing, health sciences, public health, dental and pharmacy patient care activities of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, and in several off-site locations.

UK HealthCare facilities include UK Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital, UK HealthCare East, Kentucky Clinic, Kentucky Clinic North, Kentucky Clinic South, 80 specialized clinics, 143 outreach programs, and a team of 6,000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists and health care workers all dedicated to patient health.

About Chamberlin Edmonds

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Chamberlin Edmonds serves as patient advocates and provides comprehensive eligibility services to hospitals, government and managed care organizations nationwide. The company guides patients through complex application processes to secure government and community reimbursement for uncompensated medical care expenses. Chamberlin Edmonds has over 20 years of experience with six regional offices in the U.S. and more than 650 employees. Please visit www.chamberlinedmonds.com to learn more.

Source: Business Wire

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