CHAA CHAA Patient Financial Counseling and Collections 2

Question 1

What is a payment plan agreement in the context of patient collections?

Accepted Answer

A contract where the patient agrees to pay their balance in installments over time

Answer

A payment plan allows patients to pay their balance in scheduled installments rather than in a single lump sum, making large bills more manageable.

Question 2

When collecting a copayment at time of service, which best practice should patient access staff follow?

Accepted Answer

Collect the copay at check-in and provide a receipt

Answer

Collecting copayments at check-in is standard best practice and reduces the cost of back-end billing; a receipt documents the transaction for both parties.

Question 3

What is 'bad debt' in healthcare revenue cycle management?

Accepted Answer

Patient balances that were billed but deemed uncollectible after collection efforts

Answer

Bad debt refers to accounts where the patient had a financial obligation but did not pay despite collection efforts, distinguishing it from charity care write-offs.

Question 4

A patient presents without insurance and asks about self-pay discounts. What should the patient access representative do?

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient to financial counseling to discuss the self-pay discount policy and payment options

Answer

Most hospitals have self-pay discount policies; the financial counselor can explain these options and screen for additional assistance programs.

Question 5

Which federal law requires hospitals to provide emergency care regardless of ability to pay?

Accepted Answer

EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act)

Answer

EMTALA mandates that hospitals with emergency departments provide a medical screening exam and stabilizing treatment to anyone who presents, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

CHAA - Certified Healthcare Access Associate Practice Test

CHAA - Certified Healthcare Access Associate Practice Test

CHAA CHAA Patient Financial Counseling and Collections 2