UNC Health Care on Saturday began asking patients at its affiliated hospitals and physician clinics to pay up front for their share medical care costs, the Raleigh News & Observer reports. Under the new policy, patients will contribute up front copayments for physician visits, as well as for tests such as MRI scans. UNC Health Care officials say the policy change does not conflict with their commitment to friendlier billing practices. Karen McCall, UNC Health Care's senior vice president for public affairs, said the policy will reduce letters, telephone calls or court appearance requests for patients who have not paid their bills.

Allen Daugird, UNC Health Care's senior vice president for ambulatory care, said hospital data suggest that patient fees must be collected up front in order to collect any payment in many cases. Daugird said the chances of collecting full payment decrease by 60% if patients are billed after the visit. McCall added that no one will be denied care because they are unable to pay and that patients can set up no-interest payment plans if they do not qualify for Medicaid or discounted care under the hospital system's indigent care policy.

According to the News & Observer, the policy "is already common practice among private medical practices and most major health care systems in North Carolina and across the country." In addition, collecting patients' portion of bills "has become increasingly important" as more patients enroll in high-deductible health plans that require larger contributions for health care services, the News & Observer reports (Fisher, Raleigh News & Observer, 3/6).

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