CHAA Patient Financial Counseling and Collections Flashcards
6 cards from real CHAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CHAA Patient Financial Counseling and Collections flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a financial counselor in the patient access department?
Answer: To help patients understand their financial obligations and explore payment options
Financial counselors educate patients about their estimated costs and assist them in identifying payment options such as payment plans, charity care, or financial assistance programs.
Which federal program provides financial assistance to low-income patients who do not qualify for Medicaid?
Answer: Charity care / hospital financial assistance programs
Hospitals are required under the ACA to have financial assistance (charity care) policies to help low-income patients who do not qualify for government programs like Medicaid.
A patient's out-of-pocket maximum has been met for the year. What does this mean for subsequent covered services?
Answer: The insurance company pays 100% of covered costs for the remainder of the benefit year
Once a patient reaches their out-of-pocket maximum, the insurer covers 100% of all covered in-network services for the rest of the plan year.
What is a sliding fee scale used for in patient financial counseling?
Answer: Adjusting patient charges based on income and family size
A sliding fee scale reduces patient charges proportionally based on household income and family size, making care more accessible to lower-income patients.
Which document must a patient sign to authorize the release of billing information to their insurance company?
Answer: Assignment of Benefits (AOB)
An Assignment of Benefits authorizes the provider to bill the insurance company directly and allows the insurer to pay the provider rather than the patient.
What is the correct approach when a patient states they cannot afford their estimated balance prior to service?
Answer: Refer the patient to financial counseling and screen for assistance programs before service
Patients should be screened for financial assistance eligibility and counseled on available options prior to service rather than denied care based on inability to pay.