title: Patient accounting: vital for financial survival.
abstract: The implementation of the prospective payment system has affected the financial stability of hospitals. It has forced them to take a closer look at their patient accounting function as it affects cash flow and patient service revenue. This article addresses several new issues relating to patient accounts processing that have created a need for more emphasis on the patient accounting function. Efficient operations and effective accounts receivable management may be the difference between the success or failure of a hospital in today's competitive environment.
mesh_terms: D000066:Accounting / Q000379:methods*; D000067:Accounts Payable and Receivable / Q000379:methods*; D005376:Financial Management / Q000379:methods*; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D006278:Medicare; D010350:Patient Credit and Collection / Q000379:methods*; D011445:Prospective Payment System; D014481:United States