A/R follow-up works best when accounts are grouped by the reason they remain open. Age shows elapsed time; the account history explains what to do next.
A PRACTICAL QUESTION
Why is A/R over 90 days increasing?
Quick answer
First separate an increase in older dollars from an increase in their percentage of total A/R. Then compare consistent snapshots by payer, reason open and next action. Aging identifies where to investigate; it does not establish the cause.
Example
Fictional example: older A/R stays at $20,000 while total billed A/R falls from $100,000 to $80,000. The older share rises from 20% to 25%, even though older dollars have not grown.
Common mistake
Calling a higher percentage proof of worse follow-up without checking changes in total A/R, billing volume, adjustments or reporting definitions.
What else to consider
Keep the aging start date and exclusions consistent. HFMA distinguishes billed A/R from measures that include unbilled balances. Investigate account-level evidence only within approved systems.
Sources and further reading
The explanation and example are provided to make the topic easier to understand. They are not quotations from the linked sources or claims about a specific client result.
Read age and cause together
Start with a dated snapshot of the receivables. Compare age, balance, payer, status and responsible party. An old balance awaiting a practice decision should not look like an untouched payer follow-up account.
Write a note someone else can use
A useful note records the issue, the evidence reviewed, the action taken, the response and the next action with its owner and date. Avoid notes that merely say “followed up.” Someone picking up the account tomorrow should not need to repeat today’s investigation.
Close the loop with the source team
When the same registration, authorization, coding or enrollment issue recurs, take examples back to the team that can prevent it. Follow-up improves the individual account; a corrected upstream process can improve the queue.
Questions to take into the work
- What is the next meaningful action on this balance?
- Is the due date tied to a real response or filing deadline?
- Which repeated issue belongs upstream?
Primary references
My explanations and review questions are practical guidance, not official payer instructions. For a specific account or service, always check current payer and program requirements.