Best practices issued for debt collection
HFMA is the author
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) has issued best practices for medical debt collection.
Developed by a task force of healthcare providers and others convened by HFMA and ACA International (Association of Credit and Collection Professionals), the practices seek to provide patients with a thorough understanding of what to expect during the payment and collection process. They call for the following:
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developing consistent, coordinated policies for account resolution so collection agencies and others are governed by a provider's board-approved policies;
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developing appropriate channels and practices for patient communications and account resolution;
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reporting back to credit bureaus when accounts are resolved;
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tracking consumer complaints.
For more information, visit www.hfma.org/medicaldebt.
