How to Discuss Billing in Public in a Medical Office

Health care is expensive. The cost of doctor's visits, emergency room trips, surgeries and hospital stays can add up quickly. The high cost of health care may leave patients with large bills and questions. Many patients will bring these bills to an office visit with them for clarification. Due to HIPPA laws -- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act -- office staff need to carefully and discretely discuss billing information with patients. You need to exercise extreme caution when discussing billing in a public place.

Instructions

• 1

  Speak to the patient at the reception desk. Make sure no other individuals are standing around the reception desk. Speak loudly enough so that the patient can hear you. Avoid talking loud enough so that the entire waiting room can hear what you have to say.

• 2

  Speak with caution. Avoid using the patient's last name, the medical procedure they underwent, phone number, address, social security number and other personal information while discussing billing.

• 3

  Look for an open exam room, office or corner of the a waiting room. When possible, try to speak to the patient in a quiet, less populated area of the office. Ask the doctor if you can speak to the patient in private following their visit while they are still in an exam room.

• 4

  Ask if you can call the patient later in the day. If you know you have a slower afternoon, ask if the patient is available to speak by phone later on. Indicate that this will give you time to review their question and provide a thorough answer as well as better protect their privacy.