Rodman Clinic has a 43 percent denial rate for their claims. This is an _______ indicator of problems.

A denial rate of 43 percent for claims is an overt indicator of problems within the Rodman Clinic's operations. An overt indicator directly reveals a clear, visible issue that can be easily identified and measured. In this context, a high denial rate signifies potential problems such as inadequate documentation, improper coding, or non-compliance with payer requirements. These factors are clearly observable, and investigating the reasons behind the high denial rate can lead to actionable improvements in the clinic’s processes.

In contrast, covert indicators are those that are hidden or not immediately obvious, requiring more in-depth analysis to uncover potential issues. Occult indicators, while not commonly used in the healthcare context, usually refer to issues that are hidden or obscure in nature. Therefore, the designation of the denial rate as an overt indicator is appropriate, as it highlights an apparent and measurable challenge that needs to be addressed directly.