The Hidden Skill of Great Revenue Cycle Leaders: Vendor Mastery

Apr 20, 2026

In today’s healthcare environment, skillful vendor engagement isn’t optional; it’s make-or-break.

In this discussion, David Gaffey and Michelle Strunk break down what separates high-performing vendor partnerships from costly, underperforming engagements and why many health systems struggle to get it right.

Key insights include:

  • Why vendor reliance has become unavoidable in modern revenue cycle operations
  • How to identify when your organization truly needs external expertise
  • The difference between transactional vendors and true strategic partners
  • Common mistakes leaders make—from chasing “shiny” solutions to buying on price alone
  • Why ROI is a shared responsibility, not something vendors deliver in isolation
  • How to structure implementation, communication, and oversight for long-term success

The message is clear: the goal isn’t to outsource work. It’s to bring in partners who make your organization materially better—sustainably.