(HealthDay)—More patients are paying for health care services with cash, and this means physician practices need a comprehensive billing policy, according to an article published in Medical Economics.

High-deductible health plans and lack of coverage certainty are driving more patients to pay for health care with cash, but many providers aren’t used to cash-pay patients and don’t have clear, transparent policies in place.

According to the article, providers should have a comprehensive policy in place for cash-pay patients. As much as possible, prices for top services should be transparent and easily available. Additionally, practices are advised to designate a specific administrative person or team to cash-pay and ensure that practice management software has a tool that addresses price and payment option questions. Providers are also advised to consider taking deposits for lower-cost services when coverage is uncertain.

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