The progress continues on the medical debt collection best practices task force. ACA International and HFMA have provided feedback from their respective memberships. That feedback has been incorporated into a second draft. One item that continues to be a topic of discussion relates to credit reporting and possible full file reporting by the creditor. This item has been placed on hold pending additional task force review. Conference calls are being held with the experts to further discuss the idea and process and identify the roadblocks. In addition, the white paper has been modified to include that all parties, including the provider, the third party vendor, if used in a first party environment, and the patient, are equally responsible in the financial eligibility process.

Remaining Timeline

  • Week of November 17, HFMA will compile all comments from interested parties
  • November 21 an updated document will be circulated to the committee members
  • November 27 committee members will approve the best practices

As a reminder, the goal of this process is the influence the proposed IRS rule relating to maintaining eligibility for tax exempt status.

The next step for this document is for both board of directors to approve and roll out pending any further modifications. If you have not yet seen the white paper and are interested in receiving a copy or for more information, please contact me at tinah@stcol.com.

About State Collection Service, Inc.

Since 1949, State Collection Service has provided quality collection service to countless healthcare organizations.

Through experience and innovation, State Collection Service has grown to become a tremendously credible and nationally-recognized collection agency offering services from pre-registration to bad debt. It is upon the basis of ethical behavior and a dedication to integrity that each State Collection Service employee works to uphold the company’s vision – Partnerships for a Lifetime.

*This article first appeared in “A State Collection Service, Inc. Newsletter Volume 19, Issue 4, Fourth Quarter 2013”