"The idea that healthcare is too complicated for patients to manage on their own" needs to be challenged, Sheri Johnson, director of revenue enhancement and patient access services at Minneapolis-based Hennepin County Medical Center, told Becker's Healthcare.
"Set up your own payment plan? No way — you don't understand how complicated the billing is. Schedule your own appointment — no way. Do you know how complicated appointment scheduling is? Create your own price estimate — no way. We can't even create a realistic estimate. Choose an option for your treatment plan — no way. How do you possibly know what's best for you? I know what's best for you. The examples go on and on," she said.
"We need to acknowledge people are smart and their health is important to them. If we provide the right tools and appropriate information, they can truly be partners in their care and service," Ms. Johnson said.
If you would like to share your RCM best practices, please email Kelly Gooch at kgooch@beckershealthcare.com to be featured in the "RCM tip of the day" series.
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