33% of patients would prefer to pay with plastic

Mayo and other big players accept credit cards

One-third of health care consumers would use credit cards to pay medical bills if they could, according to a recent consumer opinion survey by American Express Co. in New York City.

Of those preferring to use credit, 14% had to ask providers if cards were accepted. The survey indicates that 46% of the time, patients think of using their credit cards for payment only when they see a sign indicating the provider takes credit cards.

Taking a cue from these results, you might want to post a sign in the reception area telling patients your organization cheerfully accepts credit cards for those co-pays.

There has been a 39% increase year over year in the number of hospitals and hospital-related providers that accept credit cards, including the Mayo Foundation, Columbia-HCA Healthcare Corp., and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Patients who pay with plastic pay at the time of service. That's important, because only 1.3% of respondents to the survey reported they put health care-related expenses at the top when they prioritize their household bills. Health care costs rank next to last, only ahead of telephone bills.