#United States #New York #NAPA Anesthesia #Cedar Pay #Patient Satisfaction

Transforming Anesthesia Billing: A New Era of Patient Satisfaction

In the healthcare sector, effective billing processes are crucial not only for operational efficiency but also for fostering trust among patients. North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) has recognized this imperative and taken significant steps towards improving their patient billing strategy. With a partnership with Cedar, a leading financial experience platform, they have managed to overhaul their billing operations, leading to an astounding 71% increase in patient payments following insurance deductions.

The Challenge of Anesthesia Billing

Anesthesia billing can often be a daunting experience for patients. Unexpected charges and confusing invoices can create a barrier to prompt payment. This complexity is concerning as it places a financial strain not just on the patients, but also on healthcare providers like NAPA. Recognizing these challenges, NAPA has committed to enhancing transparency and streamlining their billing processes.

A Patient-Centric Approach with Cedar Pay

To tackle the inherent issues within anesthesia billing, NAPA collaborated with Cedar and implemented Cedar Pay, designed to simplify the payment process. This platform replaces traditional collections tactics with a more patient-friendly approach, significantly reducing confusion around billing. Lynn Van Houten, NAPA's Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services, emphasized the importance of this change, stating, "Cedar has enabled us to transform our billing into a seamless, transparent process that builds trust with patients."

Key Features of Cedar Pay

NAPA’s adoption of Cedar Pay has introduced a variety of innovative features aimed at enhancing patient engagement:

• - Personalized Communication: Patients receive tailored messages via text, email, and traditional mail regarding their bills, making the payment process more relatable and less intimidating.
• - Expanded Payment Options: The platform has integrated multiple payment methods, including Apple Pay and the option to store payment information securely for future transactions.
• - Timely Discounts: Offering strategic discounts encourages patients who prefer to self-pay, thus driving higher payment rates.

Florian Otto, Cedar's CEO and co-founder, highlighted the need for clarity in healthcare billing. He stated, "When we surveyed patients, we found that 40% won't pay their bill if they cannot understand the administrative experience." The personalized, omnichannel strategies adopted by NAPA through Cedar Pay foster user confidence, leading to higher payment rates.

Results That Speak Volumes

The improvements made to NAPA's billing practices have not only benefited patients but also significantly optimized internal processes. Recent data revealed that about 85% of patient payments are now processed through online and automated phone channels. Additionally, over half of the patients engaged with the new system have completed their payments, while an impressive 89% expressed satisfaction with the overall billing experience.

Michele Tassone, Senior Director of Revenue Cycle Services at NAPA, reaffirmed their commitment to innovation in billing: "Our teams are always striving to innovate and elevate our billing process by embracing new tools and fresh approaches. Cedar's commitment to innovation makes them an invaluable partner, and we're excited to continue our work with them."

Conclusion

The collaboration between NAPA and Cedar has ushered in a new era for anesthesia billing, marked by increased patient satisfaction and improved payment collection rates. As NAPA continues to refine their approach to billing, they reinforce their dedication not only to service excellence in anesthesia care but also to a seamless financial experience for patients. This transformative partnership showcases the possibilities of integrating technology to enhance healthcare experiences and drive operational success.