Extra Help When Patients Choose Self Pay
A local community clinic sent a patient to the Emergency Department at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. He was treated for severe chest pain. When asked about insurance, he insisted that he was going to pay the bill on his own.
Following his discharge, a Financial Advocate reached out to the man about his self-pay bill balance.
She introduced herself and explained that she called to see if she could help him find another way to pay for the care he received. The man agreed to a financial assessment.
During the assessment, the patient explained that he was new to the United States and was concerned about his bill. He said he knew the bill would be expensive but that he was still in the process of applying for asylum, so he had no access to insurance or and had limited funds to live off.
Following the assessment, the Financial Advocate was able to approve the patient for a 100% discount on the Emergency Care he received through the Aurora Health Care Patient Financial Assistance Program.
The man was so thankful, not only for the financial assistance, but also for the positive experience he had with his care providers. He appreciated being shown compassion and respect regardless of his ability to pay.
Heart and Soul is a hypertension-prevention program helping community members reduce their blood pressure in holistic ways. Aurora Walker’s Point Community Clinic, Aurora Health Care Community Health and Aurora Health Care Faith and Health Partnerships teammates developed the program collaboratively.
The program, hosted at a local community faith site, provides participants with monitoring devices to help them track their blood pressure at home. Program participants also attend monthly sessions that include blood pressure screenings and education on a wide array of topics, such as how spiritual practices can help your heart health and how eating a nutritious diet and managing medications can keep you healthy.
Heart and Soul has transformed the lives of participants by giving them tools to manage their blood pressure and live healthier lives.
During the pilot program, one participant lost 50 pounds and lowered her blood pressure. Another participant learned the importance of reducing her work schedule and prioritizing time for rest and rejuvenation.
