Consumer-driven health plans are becoming more popular with employers even though their cost saving promises are not being realized as expected. Regardless, they are a reality that physicians and other health care providers have to come to terms with. Yet there are indications that less than half of physicians feel comfortable talking with patients about paying for their care and are unaware about how consumer-driven health plans will affect their practice. Many are starting to see the impact of this ignorance in their monthly A/R reports. Self pay balances are on the rise, larger bad debt write-offs are being authorized, billing and collection staff are becoming stressed and there is tension being created in the office because more responsibility is needed at the registration and front desk.
Physicians must take charge now before it becomes out of hand. Some hospitals have already become victims to the uncompensated care tidal wave and have been forced to shut their doors. Other providers will experience that same fate if they don’t take action now before the situation is beyond the point of no return.
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On Call Medical implements and manages highly customized, comprehensive and cost-effective medical billing and account receivable solutions proven to dramatically improve the profits, revenues and quality of life for health care providers.
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