Lakewood, Colo.-based Pinnacle III outlined guidance and strategies on how to educate patients on the costs of diagnostic colonoscopies compared to those for screening in a blog post .
Here are the insights they shared:
1. If a patient is angry about the extra charge associated with a diagnostic colonoscopy after cancer precursor lesions are removed, ASCs can develop documentation outlining the possible outcomes after a screening colonoscopy. Defining the different types of colonoscopies such as screening/preventative, surveillance/high risk and diagnostic/therapeutic can help patients know what to expect.
2..Giving patients information about their colonoscopy benefits like a form including details about the patient's covered procedures, including diagnostic and screening colonoscopies. Breaking down a patient's financial responsibilities including copays and deductibles can help prepare patients for either procedure.
3. Speaking with patients directly about the difference between screening and diagnostic colonoscopies is another strategy ASCs can use to help patients understand why they may have been charged for one procedure over another.
4. When patients are angry, ASC staff should still let them talk about their frustration while still staying polite. ASC staff should also review the case history to talk the patient through the procedure. Lastly, explaining insurance rules can help clarify what patients may owe.
More articles on gastroenterology:
CMS testing screening & surveillance colonoscopy MIPs measure — What you should know
U of Alabama Birmingham names Dr. Douglas Morgan GI director — 4 insights
Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation expands with 2 hires — 4 insights