An advocacy group for hospitals and health systems has published an online library to help its members and clinicians discuss care costs with patients, including those who are disproportionately poor.
"The vulnerable patients our hospitals treat often face language barriers, financial hardships and low health literacy," said Bruce Siegel, MD, president and CEO of America's Essential Hospitals. "This can hinder their ability to understand the cost of a procedure or to weigh treatment options, which can lead to health disparities."
The Cost Conversations Library — built by the association's Essential Hospitals Institute — includes guides, videos, infographics and patient tools. It aims to help hospitals and clinicians more frequently discuss costs with patients, ensure transparency and improve the relationship between provider and patient, according to the association.
Access the library here.
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