Healthcare billing isn't just confusing for patients, it can also be a painful process for health systems.
It's a vicious cycle of health systems sending multiple bills, and confusion among consumers about what and who to pay, generating frustration with their healthcare provider, and then, ultimately, bills not being paid and a black cloud over the providers — no matter how good the care.
Breakthroughs in patient care are constantly implemented in health systems across the nation. More health leaders are investing in people who specialize in creating a better experience for patients while they're getting care. But a patient's time in the hospital or clinic isn't their final touch point with their providers. Their bills leave a lasting impression.
Other industries, like credit card companies, have pioneered solutions that make it easy for patients to understand their bills. Consumers can use their credit cards at dozens of establishments and still have one bill, one place to call and one payment.
The same is true for businesses all over the world — they're leveraging simple billing solutions that are tailored to the consumer. Aside from a monthly bill or payment, consumer-centric companies like Amazon and Apple make it so easy to purchase that you can do it with a couple of taps, clicks or even your fingerprint.
Why can't healthcare have the same, simple billing solutions as credit cards?
We can. There are opportunities to improve crucial touch points like the delivery of the statement, bills and explanations of benefits (EOBs). And it can mean all the difference in patient satisfaction, on-time bill payments, and even return customers.
According to a study by Mad*Pow, 56 percent of Americans hesitate to even seek treatment because of confusion over the billing experience. That's a devastating consequence. But healthcare leaders can remove the burden of today's healthcare billing process with a solution that consolidates everything into one bill that is easy to read and easy to pay. It's the piece that concludes a patient's visit and accepting an innovative solution can position healthcare organizations as a standout provider with superior customer service.
Businesses are filled with people who have experienced struggles with healthcare billing. If our employees feel it, leadership must see it as an opportunity to make real change. Healthcare needs a truly consumer-centric billing system. By placing the consumer at the center of a solution, business leaders can offer their customers an experience — based in technology — that makes things easier. We can give people a single, credit card-like statement that eliminates confusion by consolidating a consumer's healthcare bills and EOB claim information into one statement so they know exactly what to pay. The results not only provide a solution for healthcare consumers, but also deliver powerful benefits to employers, healthcare providers, health plans and third-party administrators.
As leaders in healthcare management, with the right points of focus, we can deliver an innovative, designed experience for consumers. As a result, we're not only removing barriers for patients, we're setting ourselves apart. Most importantly, patients won't be as hesitant to see their doctors. After all, preventive health is the goal.
Are you focused on the entire consumer experience?
And if not, what are you going to do about it?
<< Beth Griffin has 30+ years of experience in financial services and healthcare payments in a variety of leadership roles. Health Payment Systems is the only company that eliminates billing confusion by consolidating a consumer's healthcare bills and Explanations of Benefits into one statement. >>
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