Patient expectations are changing and online bill pay solutions are becoming increasingly important. More than ever, people expect the same convenience from their medical providers that they enjoy in other areas of life, including quick, simple and digital-first payment experiences. At the same time, healthcare organizations are under pressure to reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve the overall patient experience.
Digital bill pay solutions are becoming an essential part of addressing these challenges. By integrating with electronic medical records (EMRs) and providing flexible payment channels, these solutions simplify the revenue cycle management process for providers while giving patients options that fit their preferences.
Why digital-first payments matter.
Patients are accustomed to paying for everyday expenses online, and healthcare is no exception. Offering user-friendly payments options builds trust and improves satisfaction, whether the bill comes before service, at the time of service, or afterward. For providers, digital payments accelerate cash flow, reduce manual processes, and help alleviate the staffing challenges that come with managing complex billing systems.
“We’ve greatly refined our strategy over the past year,” said Christer Hanson (senior manager, Merchant Services). “Through us, hospitals can enhance the patient payment experience while leveraging our payment rails and patient financing options, and it’s all in a user interface that makes sense for a healthcare environment. It’s a unique workflow that allows patients to pay quickly and efficiently, whether they’re pre-service payments, on-site payments at the time of service, or post-service payments.”
Simplifying the revenue cycle.
Many healthcare systems consist of multiple entities such as hospitals, physician groups, imaging centers and specialty practices, each with its own billing processes. Digital platforms can consolidate these systems, presenting patients with a single, clear bill. This not only reduces confusion but also lowers administrative costs and creates efficiencies for staff.
Additionally, when healthcare organizations acquire new facilities, they often inherit disparate systems. Digital integration helps unify these processes, ensuring that patients see a consistent billing experience while staff can manage revenue cycle activities more effectively.
Delivering personalized engagement.
One of the most powerful aspects of modern bill pay technology is its ability to tailor the experience to each patient. Using robust data analytics, these platforms can identify the payment methods most likely to resonate with each individual.
For patients, this means a payment experience that feels intuitive and convenient. For providers, it results in higher rates of on-time payment, reduced reliance on paper statements, and a more efficient revenue cycle overall.
“This ‘intelligent’ approach is truly delivering the payment options to the patient where and when they need the information while delivering it how they want and expect it to be digitally delivered,” said Casey Schirk (senior manager, Specialty Healthcare). “We’ll provide the payment solutions to the patient at the right place, the right time, and to the right person through our platform. We have an opportunity to improve patient experience and patient access for our clients.”
The role of CommerceHealthcare®.
CommerceHealthcare® makes these digital solutions possible. Whether through merchant services and ACH payment services or Health Services Financing (HSF®), we help providers offer flexible options that align with patient needs while streamlining their internal processes.
These capabilities allow hospitals and health systems to offer several benefits:
- Improve cash flow and accelerate revenue collection.
- Reduce costs through system consolidation and automation.
- Enhance the patient financial experience with easy-to-use digital tools.
- Offer financing solutions that expand access to care.
A better experience for all.
Digital payments solutions are reshaping how healthcare organizations interact with patients. By meeting people where they are — on their devices, in their homes or at the point of service — providers can reduce friction, ease the burden on staff, and strengthen relationships with their communities.
CommerceHealthcare® solutions are provided by Commerce Bank.