Bass, Berry & Sims attorney David Esquivel provided commentary for an article examining healthcare providers’ increased usage of credit reporting services. As David points out in the article, “‘[h]istorically, provider organizations received reimbursement nearly in full from payers, and had little need to worry about a consumer’s ability to pay.'” However, with rising medical costs and varying coverage under medical insurance plans, more patients cannot afford to pay medical bills. The lack of revenue generated from patients’ inability to pay has forced providers to turn to credit reporting agencies to help determine ability to pay and to collect outstanding debts. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the legal liability associated with this activity.
The full article, “Why Healthcare Providers should be Careful with Consumer Credit Checks: Q&A with David Esquivel of Bass, Berry & Sims,” was published by Becker’s Hospital CFO on January 8, 2016 and is available online.