Patient Financial Communications

Providers must furnish ‘good-faith’ price estimates to self-pay patients starting next year

A newly issued federal rule on surprise billing includes regulations designed to improve price transparency for self-pay patients.

Nick Hut October 11, 2021

Focus on thought leadership and better practices: A testament to HFMA’s vision and purpose

From its very inception, HFMA has embraced the idea of thought leadership and professional practice. Major milestones have included the Principles and Practices Board, The Patient Friendly Billing Project, The Value Project and the recent focus on consumerism.

Eric C. Reese, PhD September 30, 2021

Cost Effectiveness of Health Report, September 2021

HFMA’s Cost Effectiveness of Health Report, sponsored by Kaufman Hall, is a monthly e-newsletter that will explore ways to ensure healthcare delivery in the United States is not only financially sustainable but also cost effective for all of its stakeholders — including health systems, physicians, health plans and patients. In this inaugural issue of the report, healthcare futurist Jeff Goldsmith shares his perspectives on the need for a focus on improving cost effectiveness of health as a societal imperative.

HFMA September 27, 2021

Recipients of COVID-19 vaccine boosters won’t have to pay anything out of pocket, CMS confirms

Medicare beneficiaries will owe nothing out of pocket for receiving an authorized booster dose, and the same applies to almost all Medicaid beneficiaries and most commercial health plan members.

Nick Hut September 26, 2021

Healthcare price transparency initiatives may fall flat due to systemic factors, expert says

Niall Brennan, a leading expert on healthcare cost drivers, is among the skeptics who doubt the ongoing price transparency push can result in a more efficient system.

Nick Hut September 23, 2021

Healthcare News of Note: Many new cancers in the U.S. may be going undiagnosed, a study by Quest Diagnostics shows

Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: Many new cancers may be going undiagnosed, research and media exposure leads to a reduction in hospitals suing patients for unpaid medical bills, and positive interactions with leadership boost healthcare worker well-being.

Deborah Filipek September 10, 2021

How 3 healthcare organizations are focusing on access and transparency to drive revenue cycle performance

Three winners of HFMA’s 2021 MAP Award share their innovative and effective strategies to build a strong revenue cycle amid uncertainty.

Laura Ramos Hegwer August 28, 2021

How to engage with patients where they are by balancing automation with the human touch

As provider organizations develop sophisticated automated systems, they should also make sure patients always have an opportunity to talk with a real person in the organization, because patients tend to be drawn to organizations where they feel a personal connection. Providers should address this patient need by having dedicated staff whose role is to personally engage with patients.

Day Egusquiza August 26, 2021

Most health plans have stopped waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments, report finds

Researchers with the Kaiser Family Foundation said more and more people likely will receive “significant medical bills” for COVID-19-related care.

Nick Hut August 21, 2021

Virtual Revenue Cycle Conference April 30 will help healthcare finance professionals manage operational stability during the COVID-19 pandemic

Healthcare finance professionals can learn to continue to support their health system’s financial viability and ensure use of consumer-centric strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic at HFMA's Virtual Conference April 30.

Deborah Filipek August 19, 2021
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