Which factor most directly reduces days in accounts receivable in a hospital setting?

• A. Speed of bill submission to payers.
• B. Number of beds.
• C. Average length of stay.
• D. Amount of charity care.

Answer: (A)

Days in accounts receivable shows how long it takes to convert services into cash, from the time of service to when payment is received. The most direct way to shorten this window is to submit claims to payers as quickly as possible. Prompt billing starts the clock earlier, allowing payer processing and payment to begin sooner, which lowers the average days to collect. The other factors affect volume or payer behavior but don’t directly speed up the billing and collection process. So, speeding up bill submission most directly reduces days in accounts receivable.