title: Internet-based search tools can help reduce bad debt.
abstract: The healthcare industry wrote off more than $20 billion in bad debt in 1999 alone, according to one estimate. Bills frequently do not reach patients because healthcare organizations do not have accurate patient contact and billing information. Incorrect billing information can be easily and inexpensively corrected by using Internet-based search tools. Healthcare accounts receivable staffs are using these tools to improve the patient experience and the bottom line with no capital outlay, minimal staff training or workflow change requirements, and low cost.
authors.affiliation: lynn.degrote@searchamerica.com
authors.forename: Lynn A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: DeGrote
mesh_terms: D005377:Financial Management, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D019981:Health Care Sector; D007255:Information Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010350:Patient Credit and Collection / Q000379:methods*; D010355:Patient Identification Systems; D017664:Uncompensated Care; D014481:United States