Hospital Access Management
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Financial Talks Do Not Always Start Smoothly
When things go poorly, it is because registrars fail to properly introduce themselves, do not provide the patient with a clear purpose of the call at the beginning of the conversation, or start the discussion at the wrong time.
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Focus on Charity Care ‘Now More Than Ever’
Automated processes and electronic price estimation tools can better prepare staff, who can better prepare patients for their expected out-of-pocket expense. Patients appreciate receiving a price estimate, financial counseling, and financial screening all at the same time.
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Expect Scrutiny on What Registrars Say or Do Not Say About Charity Care
If registrars are not already well aware of the need to comply with charity care regulations, a recent announcement will get the point across.
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Formerly Limited, Patient Portals Offer More Online Options
Patients want their healthcare experience to be like making a restaurant reservation or checking into a hotel. Facilities are working to upgrade online patient portals while closing the gap with top-notch customer service.
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Underinsured Patients Delaying Care
Of adults with health insurance, 29% were underinsured in 2018 (up from 23% in 2014), according to a recent survey. Those who bought plans on their own were most likely to be underinsured, with 42% reporting inadequate coverage.
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Hospitals Suing Patients for Unpaid Bills
Various hospitals are receiving media attention not for the care they provide but because of who they are suing — namely, their own patients. In addition to a little revenue, usually arriving in small negotiated payments over a period of years, these facilities are receiving bad publicity, too.
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Once Hidden, Contracted Prices With Payers Will Be Posted
This year, hospitals started posting prices on websites. However, it turned out this change was of little value to consumers. Nevertheless, it is time for the next step: posting contractually agreed prices with payers.
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It Is Not Insurance, It Just Looks Like It: ‘We Make Them Self-Pay’
Growing numbers of patients are handing over what looks like valid insurance cards to registrars; in reality, they have no coverage at all. These patients pay monthly premiums to healthcare sharing ministries. Some members expect the plan to pay hospitals directly, just like insurance. However, patients submit bills to the plan and potentially are reimbursed for some portion of it — or not, depending on the circumstances.
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Microsoft Breach Reveals Risk From Cloud-Based Data Storage
A recent attack on email servers at Microsoft raises questions about the security of protected health information on servers that healthcare organizations use.
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Jussie Smollett Incident Shows Need for HIPAA Training, Audits
There are different steps that hospitals can take to prevent unwanted snooping by employees into sensitive patient files.