Interim RCM and Financial Healthcare Leaders are typically engaged to fill the gap in key positions until a permanent leader can be found. However, a Nearterm interim management leader is not just a place holder. Our hospital revenue cycle consulting and Financial Leaders have the people skills, organizational expertise and the support of the Nearterm Partners in Charge to prep the healthcare organization and the new incoming leader for success. These are unique benefits usually not considered, but appreciated later.

Nearterm Point of View

When a senior RCM Manager departs suddenly, it usually indicates that something went wrong with the leader, the organization or both. Learning why things went wrong is very useful to understand so that the cycle does not repeat itself and you find yourself back to where you started. We have observed that the interim leader is in a position to acquire valuable insight and apply solutions to help the new Manager and organization succeed.

Preparing the Stage for the Incoming Leader & Organization to Succeed

————————————————————————————-

Uncover the Root Causes of the Current Situation

As a temporary presence with a level of political neutrality, our interim leaders can act as observers of the situation allowing them the impartiality to:

• Offer new angles in solving difficult problems
• Calm emotionally charged situations
• Make tough decisions and bear the brunt of these decisions

All this clears the air for the new leader.

Sweep Away Negativity

Being temporary and neutral also makes it easier for the interim leader to create an open and non-judgmental atmosphere. This encourages employees to be more forthright in expressing their concerns and issues without fear of reprisal, perhaps even revealing deep organizational problems. A skilled Interim Leader can use this unburdening of negativity to move the organization to a healthier place. This can make it easier for the incoming Manager to hit the ground running and focus on strategic business goals.

Inject Positivity

During periods of transition and change, employees may experience stress and uncertainty as they consider their roles under a new leader and the new organizational direction. Their thoughts are about how they can bring value to the new future.

A skillful interim leader shares his insight with employees with respect to what the incoming Manager will be looking for and what the organization priorities will be. Then, he can coach and mentor them in performing their tasks so as to be of benefit to both the new leader and the organization when the time comes.

If during this process, employees develop awareness of their personal career and lives, some may in fact come to the conclusion that they need to move forward themselves by leaving the organization, thus eliminating the need of a “hatchet man.”

The incoming leader is able to come into an environment that is already prepped and positive for change.

Be Productive Even During Transition

The skilled interim leader can listen to competing priorities and political agendas with an open mind. He can consider individual perspectives and discuss them without prejudice, bypass the squeaky wheels and rework the old culture and political structures. This way, he can steer the conversation back to the organization’s priorities that matter the most for success of hospital as well employees. When employees realize it is all for the common good, the organization can then be productive even during a time of transition.

The stage and actors are set for the incoming leader and organization to succeed.

————————————————————————————-

Nearterm is a Managed Services Provider of front to back office RCM and Financial Services for healthcare organizations: hospitals, clinics and physician practices. We offer a 360 solution from patient access to accounts receivable, including consulting and interim management.

By “Managed Services,” we mean exactly that:  all our services are professionally managed and measured by a Nearterm Partner in Charge (PIC) to ensure they meet the service level quality requirements agreed upon with the client, as expressed in our Q100=uality Assurance program.