December Reset: Strategic Planning for RCM Leaders in 2026

December isn’t just a time to close out the year—it’s your launchpad for the next. For revenue cycle leaders across Texas, this is the moment to move from reactive operations to proactive strategy.

Here’s how high-performing organizations are using December to get ahead.

1. Conduct a Year-in-Review Operational Assessment

Start by asking:

• What KPIs did we meet or miss in 2025?

• Where did denials cost us most?

• How did payer performance shift?

• What staffing trends impacted productivity or morale?

Gather this data by department—Patient Access, HIM, Billing, Collections—and identify top improvement opportunities. Consider involving your CFO, compliance officer, and department managers for a 360° view.

2. Set 2026 RCM Goals with Precision

Set measurable, department-specific goals such as:

• Reduce preventable denials by 15%

• Achieve 95% POS collection rate

• Close accounts within 45 days post-discharge

• Implement real-time eligibility tools in all access points

Align these goals with system-wide financial and compliance priorities. Use data from your year-end review to validate targets.

3. Evaluate Payer and Vendor Partnerships

December is an ideal time to assess:

• Which payers caused the most friction or delays?

• Are your denial management tools effective?

• Is your clearinghouse or statement vendor meeting SLAs?

Schedule contract reviews and performance scorecards before your next renewal cycle.

4. Plan for Workforce Development

With budget resets and performance reviews underway, now is the time to:

• Identify certification or upskilling opportunities (AAHAM CRCS, CRCP, CCT, etc.)

• Launch a front-line mentorship program

• Revisit job descriptions and productivity benchmarks

Leadership training, cross-training, and coaching should be part of your 2026 talent retention strategy.

5. Revisit Compliance Risk Areas

Before audits begin in Q1, evaluate:

• Modifier usage and medical necessity documentation

• High-risk service lines (e.g., behavioral health, telehealth, ED leveling)

• Charge description master (CDM) updates and integrity

Use your internal audit or compliance team to validate and prioritize risk mitigation efforts.

6. Celebrate Wins and Communicate the Vision

Recognize top performers, thank your teams, and clearly share the “why” behind 2026’s strategy. A strong finish helps your team enter the new year with clarity and purpose.

Final Thought: December Is for Strategists

Strong revenue cycle performance doesn’t happen by chance—it’s planned. Use December not just to reconcile numbers, but to design the future of your RCM operations.