Characteristics of US hospitals using extraordinary collections actions against patients for unpaid medical bills: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study aims to characterise and evaluate the largest 100 hospitals in the USA that have adopted aggressive collection tactics to pursue patients with unpaid medical bills, such as lawsuits, wage garnishments and liens.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

We examined state and county court record systems to measure the magnitude and prevalence of these practices at the largest 100 hospitals in the UA between 1 January 2018 and 31 July 2020.

Main outcomes measures

The main outcome of this study was the number of lawsuits, wage garnishments and liens. A secondary outcome was the characterisation of a hospital's safety, charitability, size and financial practices.

Results

Between 1 January 2018 and 31 July 2020, 26 hospitals filed 38 965 cour

SUBMITTER: Hashim F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9274508 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature