Here are five articles recently published by Becker's Hospital Review on medical debt, insights into improving point-of-service collections and more.
1. Most patients don't shop around before physician-recommended MRIs, researchers find
Patients often receive nonemergency, outpatient, lower-limb MRI scans where their referring physician recommends, despite potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, according to a National Bureau of Economic Research working paper.
2. RCM tip of the day: Educate staff, patients to aid point-of-service collections
Hospitals continue to seek increased point-of-service collections but face various challenges, such as high-deductible health plans that leave patients with greater financial obligations. One way to achieve a successful point-of-service collections program is by educating staff and patients, according to Rebecca Haymaker, director of Epic services at Parallon Technology Solutions.
3. Central Learning launches 3rd coding contest
Central Learning, a web-based coding assessment application, kicked off its annual ICD-10 coding contest July 30.
4. Tampa medics pulled off job, accused of telling woman's mom ambulance was too expensive for her
Four Florida emergency medical workers have been put on paid leave after the mother of a dead woman said medics told her an ambulance trip to the hospital was too expensive for her, reports The New York Times.
5. Young people have the most medical debt, study finds
The average size of medical debt is significantly higher for younger people, likely reflecting differences in insurance coverage and financial resources, according to a study released by Health Affairs.
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Central Learning launches 3rd coding contest
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