Members of MHA – An Association of Montana Health Care Providers will gain access to nTelagent’s Retail Application for Healthcare to better serve patients, improve point-of-service processes such as screening for financial assistance, and reduce bad debt.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MHA Ventures, a subsidiary of MHA – An Association of Montana Health Care Providers, has endorsed nTelagent and its point-of-service solution for hospitals, called the Retail Application for Healthcare.
From rising bad debt to decreasing cash on hand to new challenges related to healthcare reform, hospitals in Montana are struggling, just as they are across the country. Thanks to a new partnership with nTelagent, members of MHA now have access to the tools and technology they need to better and more consistently handle insured, uninsured and charity patient accounts pre-registration and at point of service. The partnership is through MHA Ventures, the endorsed vendor network for MHA member hospitals.
Similar to applications used in the retail industry at the point of sale, nTelagent’s web-based, automated Retail Application provides healthcare registrars and financial counselors with real-time scripts, telling them exactly what to do and what to say to each patient at point of service regarding financial responsibilities.
nTelagent’s solution allows hospitals to consistently and accurately address point-of-service challenges: upfront determination of patient payment due, upfront collections, discounting of services, insurance verification, charity care, payment plans, price transparency, and medical financing assistance and enrollment.
“With the economic environment and healthcare reform, it’s more critical than ever that our hospitals are well-prepared to help patients navigate the complex payment structure. Using nTelagent, hospital staff can quickly and accurately discuss price transparency, discounts, payment plans, government assistance, charity screening and more with patients, all on the front end,” said Jeff Springer, director, business development, MHA Ventures.
“To continue working for the health of our Montana communities, our area hospitals must be financially healthy themselves. nTelagent will help them achieve that,” continued Springer.
In 2009, Montana’s 63 nonprofit community hospitals reported $270 million in uncompensated care (charity and bad debt). In 2007, that number was much lower, totaling about $190 million.
Earl Winter, nTelagent CEO, noted: “Our solution allows providers to be advocates for truly needy patients, helping them to obtain all possible assistance in covering their healthcare costs. With the Retail Application, hospitals can automate their charity care screening and documentation policies through an online interface at point of service. Within a short amount of time, the provider learns whether a patient qualifies for certain programs, ensuring each account is accurately and consistently handled.”
Additionally, nTelagent’s new Contract Calculator allows patient access staff to instantly and accurately perform some of the most complicated calculations related to patient financial accounts: what the approved charges are and the accurate patient coinsurance. This capability is especially important in light of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s limitation of charges regulations.
All MHA members will have access to the Retail Application at discounted pricing. The average implementation period, including staff training, is from four to six weeks. Usage fees are based on the volume of patient registrations.
About MHA – An Association of Montana Health Care Providers/MHA Ventures
MHA – An Association of Montana Health Care Providers is the principal advocate for the interests of members in their efforts to improve the health status of the communities they serve. Every not-for-profit acute care hospital in the state is a member. The founding purpose of MHA Ventures is to provide health care and business services and products to MHA members at competitive prices. Visit www.mtha.org for more information.
About nTelagent, Inc.
nTelagent, Inc.’s Retail Application for Healthcare is the only point-of-service collection solution for the healthcare industry that settles all accounts on the front end – regardless of whether the patient is insured, uninsured or charity. Similar to applications used in the retail industry at the point of sale, the company’s web-based system provides healthcare registrars and financial counselors with real-time scripts, telling them exactly what to do and what to say to each patient at point of service regarding financial responsibilities. Visit www.ntelagent.com for more information.
CONTACT:
Laura Campbell & Associates
Laura Campbell, 615-579-6599
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America Montana Tennessee
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Technology Data Management Internet Software Health Hospitals
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