The costs of healthcare and medical billing practices are getting a lot of attention among both lawmakers and patients. With many people facing higher out-of-pocket costs or even foregoing insurance altogether, gynecology patients are looking for providers who focus on cost savings and make pricing clear.
Let's look at answers to some common questions related to billing practices and how to talk to patients about cost.
- How can you reduce the average cost of a gynecology visit? Patients with high deductibles, high coinsurance or who are on self-pay are often sensitive to added costs for their visit. Diagnostic tests, out-of-network lab work and referrals for imaging can all add up. Find out what you should be keeping in mind to keep costs reasonable for your patients.
- Can you lower IVF costs and stay profitable? The cost of IVF is prohibitive for some patients and can leave others with considerable debt. One clinic increased its volume and reduced the cost of IVF. Learn more about how this clinic provides IVF to a wider range of patients at a lower cost.
- How can you explain IVF costs to your patients? IVF is a huge financial commitment, with bills for fertility testing, consultations and the procedure itself. Patients can easily get confused by all of the different charges that may come with each step. Explain each cost and its purpose to patients to avoid expensive surprises.
- How could your practice benefit from price transparency? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) now require hospitals and inpatient facilities to post the cost of their services online. Private practices may benefit from posting their prices online to attract patients and help them avoid unexpected bills, which can lead to negative reviews. Learn more about CMS price transparency and the benefits for private practices.
- How do medical billing practices affect patient satisfaction? Despite how excellent their medical care was, patients can still be dissatisfied with your practice if your billing processes are difficult to navigate. Make it clear what patients owe, what is not covered by insurance and what their payment options are. Find out how billing practices translate to patient satisfaction.
- What are the benefits of having a 3D ultrasound system in your gynecology practice? 3D ultrasound is rapidly growing as a first-line diagnostic tool for many gynecologic and fertility concerns. Investing in a system for your practice could save you time and money in the long run.
- How does MACRA payment reform affect OB/GYN practices? The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) has two reimbursement structures that focus on value-based payments rather than fee-for-service. Some smaller practices are exempt from these payment schedules. Learn more about what the changes mean and which practices they apply to.
Questions about pricing and higher costs for patients are not going away anytime soon. Ensure your practice has systems in place that make it easy for patients to understand their costs and pay their bills. That improves satisfaction for both patients and providers.
