Which term describes the process of managing the financial aspects of a health care organization to ensure cash flow?

• A. Medical coding
• B. Revenue cycle management
• C. Credentialing
• D. Practice management

Answer: (B)

The process described is revenue cycle management, which focuses on the entire financial flow of a health care organization from patient access and eligibility through coding, billing, claims submission, payment processing, denials management, and collections. The goal is to obtain accurate and timely reimbursement to maintain steady cash flow, minimize delays, and optimize revenue. Medical coding translates clinical details into codes used for billing but doesn’t manage the full cash-flow process. Credentialing verifies a provider’s qualifications before they can bill, not the ongoing financial lifecycle. Practice management covers broader administrative operations, including scheduling and some billing activities, but revenue cycle management specifically targets the steps that drive cash flow and revenue realization.