HFMA Outlines Best Practices for Resolving Patient Medical Bills

Possessing decades of experience in healthcare management, Paul Generale serves as executive vice president and chief strategy and network officer for CHRISTUS Health in Dallas. Paul Generale is actively involved with several professional networks to continue providing the best service possible to patients. One of these networks is the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

This year, HFMA published best practices for the fair resolution of patient medical bills in collaboration with the Association for Credit and Collection Professionals. The joint report highlights the importance of patient education and ensuring these individuals understand the bill, as well as the account resolution process. Education makes the process feel transparent and prevents patients from receiving an unexpected bill. Transparency also requires that hospitals cover financial assistance policies and connect patients to a full range of coverage and payment options.

The best practices report provides a full outline of the accounts receivable resolution process, from education before services are rendered to post-discharge policies. In addition, the document offers suggestions on handling special circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. More information about the best practice suggestions are available at HFMA.org.