Dallas County Hospital was recognized this week as an adopter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Patient Financial Communications Best Practices. As a adopter, DCH follows nearly 100 best practices covering all aspects of financial interactions that take place in a variety of care settings.
“In a time when patients are paying more out-of-pocket for their health care, the financial conversations we have with patients have never been more important,” said Angela Mortoza, DCH chief executive officer. “We have taken steps to ensure that patients are treated with compassion and respect in financial matters, and this recognition confirms that.”
Hearing of DCH’s recognition, HFMA President and CEO Joseph J. Fifer said, “When people are dealing with health issues, they should be focusing on their health, not trying to decipher confusing financial information. Dallas County Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that patients have a good experience when it comes to the financial aspects of their care.”
Dallas County Hospital joins a select group of hospitals, health systems and physician practices that have received this first-of-its-kind, national recognition. A blue-ribbon task force developed these best practices to help improve communication about financial matters between healthcare providers and healthcare consumers.
The task force included representatives from major industry groups, including the American Hospital Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Patient Advocate Foundation and others. More information about best practices is available at the HFMA website.
Macinzie McFarland is the Community Relations and Marketing Manager at the Dallas County Hospital.
