The Weston County Hospital Board on a voice vote authorized staff to negotiate and, if acceptable, enter a contract with Inova Revenue Cycle Management for billing, credentialing and coding services and approved a conditional restructuring of the hospital business office tied to that contract.

Board members said the move is aimed at improving revenue collection and credentialing processes. Kathy, a hospital staff member who led the presentation, disclosed early in the meeting that she owns a revenue cycle management company—but said it operates only for physician practices and not for Wyoming hospitals: "I do own a revenue cycle management company. However, my revenue cycle management company doesn't do anything, anywhere in Wyoming or anything to do with hospitals." She also told the board she does not believe that creates a conflict and volunteered the disclosure.

The board heard that proposals from multiple vendors were reviewed. A motion made during the meeting authorized Kathy to negotiate and, if terms were favorable, to enter a contract with Inova for the three functions (billing, credentialing and coding). Directors clarified on the record that entering the contract would also trigger authorization for Kathy to restructure the business office to align staffing and workflows with the new vendor arrangement. The board approved the motions by voice vote; no individual roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Board members discussed fee structure in broad terms during the exchange. An early comment on pricing mentioned a targeted percentage (an initial reference to a 6% starting point was made during discussion), but the final authorization recorded in the minutes permits negotiation and execution only if the board’s staff determine the terms are acceptable.

Why it matters: revenue cycle management affects the hospital’s cash flow and compliance with payer requirements. Board members framed the decision as a step to shore up billing and credentialing, and to allow operational changes in the business office if the vendor contract proceeds.

Next steps: the record shows staff were authorized to finish contract negotiations with Inova and to sign the contract if terms are acceptable; if that contract is executed, the board authorized Kathy to implement restructuring of the business office to align with the vendor’s operations and the hospital’s revenue goals.