Around 14.5 percent of Washington residents have no coverage, and many of them lack the necessary coverage for their medical needs, according to the report. The percentage of uninsured people has grown in 31 out of 39 Washington counties.
When hospitals take on charity cases and write-off bad debt, those losses are passed on to insurance holders, adding approximately $1,017 to an average family’s annual premium, according to the report. Hospitals and healthcare providers in Washington are currently spending around $1 billion per year on uncompensated care, which includes a 36 percent increase in charity care costs from 2008-2010.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing and Collections:
3 Challenges for Physicians Regarding ICD-10
Surgery Center Coding Guidance: 2012 CPT Changes to 62310, 62319
Senators Raise Questions on Oversight for Felons Enrolling in Medicare
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.