"... the process that begins when a patient comes into the system and includes all activities that lead up to the billing and through the collection process”.

Source: Cap Gemini, http://www.capgemini.com.

The lengthening revenue cycle affects all specialties within the health care delivery system. The dilemma for the health care provider has to do with the lack of control over shortening it. 

Whatever the reasons for unpredictable revenue cycles … HIPAA, the NPI, or carrier dominance … it is clear that the time lag between the provision of service and the receipt of payment from payers is the most critical and worsening financial issue for today's health care provider.