Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta has approved a new payment policy for patients living outside Fulton and DeKalb counties who visit the hospital for non-emergency care, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report.
The policy requires patients outside of Fulton and DeKalb counties to attend financial counseling and pay for services in full before receiving care. The policy does not apply to trauma patients in need of emergency care or individuals in need of "unique, specialty services" at Grady Memorial. Current out-of-county patients will be given an opportunity to settle their balances.
Grady Memorial Hospital, which is on track to lose $23 million this year, is implementing the policy to improve its financial standing. According to the report, Fulton and DeKalb counties provided $65 million in funding for indigent care this year. Meanwhile, the hospital spent approximately $25 million to provide care for patients in other counties. Overall, Grady Memorial spends more than $200 million each year to provide care for the uninsured.
The policy goes into effect immediately. Patients who cannot pay for non-emergency care upfront will be directed to clinics and alternative sources of care.
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The policy requires patients outside of Fulton and DeKalb counties to attend financial counseling and pay for services in full before receiving care. The policy does not apply to trauma patients in need of emergency care or individuals in need of "unique, specialty services" at Grady Memorial. Current out-of-county patients will be given an opportunity to settle their balances.
Grady Memorial Hospital, which is on track to lose $23 million this year, is implementing the policy to improve its financial standing. According to the report, Fulton and DeKalb counties provided $65 million in funding for indigent care this year. Meanwhile, the hospital spent approximately $25 million to provide care for patients in other counties. Overall, Grady Memorial spends more than $200 million each year to provide care for the uninsured.
The policy goes into effect immediately. Patients who cannot pay for non-emergency care upfront will be directed to clinics and alternative sources of care.
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