VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES – Carilion Clinic, a non-profit health system, has announced its decision to outsource its revenue cycle operations to Ensemble Health Partners, an Ohio-based company specializing in healthcare administrative services.
Starting in September, Ensemble Health Partners will take over Carilion’s revenue cycle operations, identifying, managing, and collecting patient service revenue. They will also handle scheduling, registration, billing, and customer service.
Employee impact and benefits
The decision will affect about 780 employees, though no layoffs are expected. Carilion CFO Donald Halliwill assured employees that they will have job opportunities at Ensemble, with the same or higher pay rates as well as comparable roles and benefits.
“This is not a cost-reduction decision. This is an enhancement decision that will benefit our patients, our employees, and in longer terms our organization,” Halliwill stated.
The partnership with Ensemble will provide employees access to advanced technology, resources, and training, enhancing their professional support and development.
Operational efficiency and patient care
Carilion spokesperson Hannah Curtis highlighted that the complexity of revenue cycle operations has increased, and this transition will help the health system keep pace with industry changes.
Patients will not experience any changes, but the move is expected to improve efficiency in patient registration, billing, and collections.
Carilion CEO Nancy Agee and hospital leadership collaborated with Ensemble for over a year to reach this decision.
“We’ll continue working with the same fine employees who have helped us get our revenue cycle operations where they are today while we benefit from Ensemble’s extensive experience in helping health systems optimize their processes and their advanced technologies,” Agee said.
Employing more than 13,000 people across its 240 practice sites, Carilion Clinic is a private nonprofit health system that services about 1 million residents in western Virginia.
The partnership with Carilion marks Ensemble’s fourth deal in 2024. The company now manages $34 billion in annual net patient revenue across various health systems.
