Becker’s Healthcare Podcast: Interview with Kevin Barron, Deputy VP of Payer Relations at University Health

Episode Overview

In the July 12, 2025 episode of Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Alan Condon engages in an insightful conversation with Kevin Barron, the Deputy Vice President of Payer Relations at University Health in San Antonio, Texas. With over three decades of experience in healthcare finance, Barron delves into the evolving landscape of payer relations, revenue cycle management, and the delicate balance between maintaining a mission-driven healthcare institution and ensuring financial sustainability.

Background and Role at University Health

Kevin Barron begins by outlining his extensive background in healthcare finance, highlighting his 30+ years in the industry and his current role overseeing managed care contracting for University Health’s facilities and its 800-member provider group.

“My role is Deputy Vice President for payer Relations. So essentially I'm responsible for all of our managed care contracting on behalf of the health system facilities and our about 800 member provider group.”
(01:09)

Barron emphasizes his commitment to ensuring that patients receive necessary care regardless of their financial situation or geographical location, reflecting the mission-driven nature of University Health.

Key Trends in Healthcare

Barron identifies three primary trends currently shaping the healthcare landscape:

1. Aggressive Payer Practices:
   Barron highlights the increasing aggressiveness of payer partners regarding denials and contract terminations.

   “Our payer partners, they're much more aggressive on denials and their... termination.”
   (02:24)

   He underscores the importance for providers to strategically decide when to uphold or terminate payer relationships.

2. Revenue Cycle Digitization and AI Integration:
   University Health is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance contract management, including redlining documents and tracking contracts.

   “We're working actually right now with AI... to help us with redlining documents, tracking contracts, managing the contents of them.”
   (03:00)

3. Workforce Sustainability:
   Maintaining a skilled workforce, particularly those with specialized certifications like EPIC, is crucial for efficient revenue cycle operations.

   “Keeping someone who's EPIC certified... is a priority for me.”
   (05:30)

Strategies to Combat Denials and Improve Financial Performance

Barron discusses several initiatives implemented at University Health to address the surge in denials and delayed payments:

• Contract Performance Audit Function:
  A dedicated team analyzes high-value claims to identify and resolve payment issues, significantly improving collections.

  “Over the last fiscal year... we were able to assist in collecting an additional $12 million on high dollar claims.”
  (07:08)

• Integration with Revenue Cycle Operations:
  By embedding the contracting team within the revenue cycle, University Health ensures proactive identification and resolution of payer-related issues.

  “Having the contracting folks in the AR meeting... helps.”
  (09:00)

• PACT Program (Contract Implementation Process):
  Focused on bridging knowledge gaps and ensuring effective contract rollout through education and collaboration with payer partners.

  “We are building our PACT program... and I'm excited about it.”
  (10:40)

Future Excitements and Organizational Growth

Barron expresses enthusiasm for the integrated approach of contracting within the revenue cycle, which enhances the hospital’s ability to serve patients effectively. He shares personal motivations rooted in his family’s experiences with the healthcare system:

“I want this place, I want University Health as good as it is... so there needs to be organizations like ours that care about the mission.”
(14:26)

He provides examples of successful outcomes, such as single case agreements that ensure necessary treatments for patients, highlighting the direct impact of revenue cycle management on patient care.

Balancing Mission and Margin

Addressing the delicate balance between a mission-driven approach and financial sustainability, Barron outlines strategies employed at University Health:

• Diversifying Payer Mix:
  Transitioning from a significant uninsured population to a more balanced payer mix with increased commercial business has been pivotal.

• Operational Efficiency:
  Emphasizing efficient revenue cycle operations supports the mission without compromising financial health.

  “If you have a good mission, you live your mission. The rest of it will work.”
  (23:00)

Barron credits the growth in commercial business to new facilities, enhanced reputation, and proactive community engagement during the pandemic.

Plans for Future Growth

Looking ahead, Barron outlines key focus areas for the next year:

• Implementing the PACT Program:
  Finalizing contract implementation and education processes to streamline revenue cycle operations.

• Enhancing Data Reporting:
  Developing detailed reporting structures to evaluate payer performance and contract effectiveness.

• Expanding Payer Partnerships:
  Assessing and optimizing current and potential payer relationships to ensure comprehensive network participation and coverage.

  “That's one of my personal goals, is to try to close those gaps where I can. A lot happening, but it's all exciting stuff.”
  (26:00)

Barron remains optimistic about overcoming challenges through strategic initiatives and a steadfast commitment to the institution's mission.

Conclusion

The conversation with Kevin Barron offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and strategies within payer relations and revenue cycle management at a mission-driven health system. Barron’s dedication to balancing financial sustainability with providing accessible, high-quality care serves as a valuable example for healthcare leaders navigating similar landscapes. His insights underscore the importance of innovative approaches, workforce sustainability, and unwavering commitment to patient care in achieving long-term organizational success.

Notable Quotes

• “Providers need to know when to hold them and know when to fold them, to quote the gambler.”
  (02:24)

• “Every Friday morning we have an AR meeting. And having the contracting folks in the AR meeting helps.”
  (09:00)

• “If you have a good mission, you live your mission. The rest of it will work.”
  (23:00)

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting Kevin Barron's insights and strategies while providing a structured and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.