As part of our continued effort to provide a high quality user experience while also ensuring the integrity of the information of those that we service is protected,
we will be implementing changes to evicore.com in the near future.
Beginning on 3/15/21, web users will be required to log in to evicore.com in order to check the status
of authorization request(s). Please click here to register for an account.
As patients and their loved ones become more actively involved in decisions about their medical care, they can get confused by the seemingly mysterious processes behind approvals and costs. Helping patients understand how prior authorization and their coverage works can empower them to more effectively navigate our complex, evolving healthcare system.
There are many potential benefits to "pulling back the curtain" that sometimes obscures these processes. Patients who are better informed can navigate the healthcare landscape more easily, and that usually means your practice can run more effectively, too. And when patients better understand how the various processes work, there's less miscommunication—and fewer calls and questions for your staff.
Most important, research shows that patients who are empowered to advocate for themselves not only feel better about the care they get, they're also more likely to get better.
Educating patients often requires investing a little bit more time up front, but the odds are good that this investment will pay off. Asking a few questions in the exam room and maintaining a well-organized support staff can make a significant difference. Here's how.
Talking to Patients About the Cost of Care
Finding solutions for patients who are struggling financially may help improve their outcomes, as patients are less likely to comply with treatment recommendations if they can't afford them.
Additionally, many patients find it embarrassing to bring up cost issues with their medical team, and some worry that they'll receive less attention if they do.
Putting your patients at ease and indicating your willingness to discuss their potential concerns increases the likelihood of a productive conversation about their treatment options.
Here are a few ways to begin the conversation:
Treatment goals, financial concerns, and insurance coverage may change over time, so keep the lines of communication with your patients open. That will facilitate ongoing discussions around costs.
Providing Patient-Education Materials
Printed patient-education materials aren't just helpful for treatment guidelines, they can also provide patients with information about treatment approvals and costs and give them something to refer to at home. Helpful topics include:
Streamlining Patient Support
How can your support staff facilitate the process of benefits management? Best practices include:
In summary, patients with better understanding of the healthcare system feel more empowered and tend to take more responsibility for their health. That's great for patients—and gratifying for the providers in charge of their care.