Final Project

Part B

Kaitlyn Maness

HCR230

My financial policy is best suited to my medical office because it is lenient but at the same time we expect a professional relationship to be maintained. I would never want anyone to walk into a doctor’s office and feel like they have no choices. We offer maximum care for an affordable price to everyone. Those who have no insurance can still be seen and not expected to pay an arm and a leg and those who can’t afford care are given an option. Our office would see all ages and all cases and offer some time of solution for payment. The basis of a strong medical office financial policy is an understanding between the medical office, the insurance company, and the patient. The medical office is responsible for verifying the patient’s coverage, verifying if a specific service is covered, and verify the co pay amount so it can be collected at the time of the visit or service. I think this is well outlined in our policy and should be understandable for the patient. The patient is responsible for paying their co pay at the time of the visit and paying any other balances then and there or within a reasonable time after they are billed. Our medical office staff will ensure that each patient is aware of our financial policies and how they affect them individually. If a member of the medical office staff does not enforce or explain the policies there will be repercussions. I will have our policies in at least 2 separate places that the patient would see when checking in, they would also be posted in the room and at check out. We want to make sure that every patient is given an option but that they also understand we are trying to run a successful business. We will not provide better care to patient just because they may their bills or have insurance. And while we want to be able to offer anyone great health care, we also must stay aware of our policies and follow them. If a patient does not have the courtesy to give 24 hour notice of cancellation, they will receive a $10 fee. We are more than willing to help a patient with anything that they need but they must follow our policies and procedures. I think it is best to offer personalized services and care; I want our staff to be kind and courteous but also know how to handle an unsatisfied patient. Not all of our patients will agree with our financial policies and not all will want to follow them, if we have the policies posted, than they cannot say they were unaware of them. It is also our responsibilities to give the patient a copy of our financial policy when they come for their initial visit. Our policy best suits our office because it explains everything we are willing and able to offer to those with insurance, without or who cannot afford good health care at other places.

Valerius, J., Bayes, N., Newby, C., & Seggern, J. (2008). Medical insurance: An integrated claims process approach (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.

Chron.com. (2012). Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/create-financial-policy-medical-office-11842.html