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As major hospitals now bill for some patient-provider messaging, the move could usher wider adoption.


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2022 Dec 5, 6:48am   364 views  1 comment

by Al_Sharpton_for_President   ➕follow (5)   💰tip   ignore  

A major health system’s public notice of plans to begin charging for previously free patient-provider messaging has sparked public debate over the value of a clinician’s time.

There's also speculation that similar policies will become the norm among providers with digital touch points.

The Cleveland Clinic released a notice last month that, as of Nov. 17, it would begin billing up to $50 for certain messages sent by patients to their provider through its MyChart patient portal.

According to the announcement, Cleveland Clinic now bills for messages that require medical expertise and “typically taking five or more minutes for your provider to answer,” such as a potential change to the patient’s medication. Quicker notes, including appointment scheduling or clarification after a recent visit, remain free.

The announcement caught the attention of patients and local press, with some residents telling Cleveland.com they acknowledged the burden on clinicians and others concerned that the policy could be the first step toward additional new charges.

Reports also suggest other health systems may not be too far behind, if they haven’t already rolled out their own version of the billing policy.

University Hospitals and ProMedica each told the publication they are considering charges for electronic messaging, while Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said it already charges between $50 and $160 for certain messages.

“We don’t believe charging for electronic messaging will deter patients seeking care,” ProMedica reportedly told the publication. “The fees would likely still be lower than a standard office visit with a provider.”

The Chicago area’s NorthShore University HealthSystem also launched an electronic message billing policy this month, per the Chicago Tribune, joining nearby systems Northwestern Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital as well as UCSF Health in California.

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/providers/major-providers-decision-bill-time-consuming-electronic-patient-messages-could-usher



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1   HeadSet   2022 Dec 5, 7:34am  

Al_Sharpton_for_President says

The Cleveland Clinic released a notice last month that, as of Nov. 17, it would begin billing up to $50 for certain messages

$50 for a "happy ending" doesn't sound that bad...

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