The key details they shared:
1. Payment plans. Ms. Outlaw and Ms. Nelson recommended that payment plans last no longer than six months, with the preferred amount of time being three months. If an ASC wants to avoid payment plans altogether, it can offer a discount for paying up front.
2. Bad checks written by patients. Securing payments through debit and credit cards is preferred, but many patients can only pay by check. Ms. Outlaw and Ms. Nelson recommended not issuing refunds for overpayments until the check clears the bank.
3. Addressing actual costs vs. estimates. If a patient asks why their bill ends up being more than the amount quoted before surgery, having patients sign documentation stating that the figure given was an estimate can help clear the air.
More articles on coding, billing and collections:
How an Indiana ASC approaches patient collections
Vasectomies cost more in ASCs than office settings, study finds: 5 insights
Optum revenues climb 11.7% year-over-year — 11 insights
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.