--- title: Medical Billing Services and Bad Debt - Blog - Emerald AR | Health Centers description: Health Centers | Our blog keeps you up-to-date and informed regarding all things medical billing services and bad debt management. With healthcare being such a dynamic industry, it's great to keep your options available to all full service opportunities for your patients. --- - [Billing Dispute](https://share.hsforms.com/19JMxXfLJQVmZAu_Z6lfvFQ2vj2o?__hstc=33507169.a4ef11b15f1fbdf0c689f7913c4e0aa7.1565064394586.1565283894559.1565291729783.11&__hssc=33507169.2.1565291729783&__hsfp=4249850865) - [Pay Your Bill](https://www.youraccountcenter.com/) - [Careers](https://www.emeraldar.com/careers/) [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/logobig.png) ![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/logosmall-1.png) ![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/logobig.png)](https://emeraldar.com) [Client Portal](https://clientportal.emeraldar.com/) - [Home](https://www.emeraldar.com) - Products - [Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.emeraldar.com/eligibility) - Services - [Patient Statements](https://www.emeraldar.com/statements) - [Early Stage Patient Billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/earlystagebilling) - [Late Stage Billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/latestagepatientbilling) - [Blog](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog) - Resources - [Anesthesiology Patient Billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/anesthesiology-patient-billing) - [Radiology Patient Billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/radiology-patient-billing-services/) - [Medicaid Eligibility](https://www.emeraldar.com/medicaid-eligibility) - [Hospital Patient Billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/hospital-patient-billing-services/) - [Contact Us](https://www.emeraldar.com/contact) ## Self-Pay Revenue Management ###### 2 min read ## [Improving the Healthcare Economy with Better Communication](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/improving-the-healthcare-economy-with-better-communication) By [Audrey Cooper](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/audrey-cooper) on March 3, 2020 - 3:14 PM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/New%20Blog%20Post%20(5).png)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/improving-the-healthcare-economy-with-better-communication) Health plays an important economic role in modern society. Despite widespread access to technological and human resources, the US economy faces significant problems with bankruptcies rising from healthcare debt, healthcare costs and uncompensated care. Topics: [Community health](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [communication](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/communication) [multi-lingual patient](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/multi-lingual-patient) [Patient Friendly](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patient-friendly) [problem solving](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/problem-solving) [patientbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patientbilling) [notices](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/notices) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/improving-the-healthcare-economy-with-better-communication) ###### 2 min read ## [How to create effective patient statements](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/how-to-create-effective-patient-statements) By [Emerald](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/emerald) on January 27, 2020 - 2:18 PM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/New%20Blog%20Post%20(2)-1.png)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/how-to-create-effective-patient-statements) Let's be honest, patient statements can be confusing. There's often so much jargon on them that patients don't know when to pay their bill, let alone how to pay it. So, what can you do to simplify statements, and is it even possible to make things easier? We think so. Here's an overview of what's going wrong with patient statements and how to fix them. Topics: [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [healthcare debt](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/healthcare-debt) [medical billing process](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-process) [multi-lingual patient](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/multi-lingual-patient) [patient communication](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patient-communication) [Patient Friendly](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patient-friendly) [problem solving](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/problem-solving) [medicaidbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaidbilling) [customer service](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/customer-service) [patient statements](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patient-statements) [medical collections](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-collections) [healthcare collections](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/healthcare-collections) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/how-to-create-effective-patient-statements) ###### 2 min read ## [Community Health Center Grant Resources](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/community-health-center-grant-resources) By [Emerald](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/emerald) on November 21, 2019 - 8:00 AM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/community_health_grant_resource.png)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/community-health-center-grant-resources) Topics: [Health Care Growth](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-care-growth) [Affordable Medical Service](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/affordable-medical-service) [Community health](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [Community Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health-centers) [FQHC](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/fqhc) [FQHC funding](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/fqhc-funding) [problem solving](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/problem-solving) [medicaidbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaidbilling) [outsourcing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/outsourcing) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/community-health-center-grant-resources) ###### 2 min read ## [Medicaid Retroactive Eligibility Waivers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/medicaid-retroactive-eligibility-waivers-2019) By [Emerald](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/emerald) on November 4, 2019 - 3:24 PM Health insurance is a complex subject, especially when it has a retroactive period attached to it. So what exactly is Medicaid retroactive eligibility, and how does it change? Is there anyone who is automatically eligible for this retroactive coverage? We'll answer these questions, and more, below. Topics: [Medicaid](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaid) [Medical Billing Manager](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-manager) [Community health](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [Revenue](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/revenue) [FQHC billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/fqhc-billing) [medical billing process](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-process) [medical billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/medicaid-retroactive-eligibility-waivers-2019) ###### 2 min read ## [3 Resilient Revenue Cycle Processes](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/3-resilient-revenue-cycle-processes) By [Audrey Cooper](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/audrey-cooper) on September 18, 2019 - 1:03 PM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/Bodybuilder.jpg)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/3-resilient-revenue-cycle-processes) Keeping track of employees is not an easy task. Management often spends a lot of time focusing on what employees are doing, where the "wasted" time is spent, and how to do things faster - making their company lean, mean, and ready for action. No management team sets out to micromanage their employees, but rather to understand where time is spent in order to improve efficiency, productivity, and communication. Emerald has developed a number of processes that are designed to do just that. These three processes have had significant impacts on our organization.  Topics: [Community health](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [Revenue](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/revenue) [problem solving](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/problem-solving) [customer service](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/customer-service) [debt collections](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/debt-collections) [healthcare collections](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/healthcare-collections) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/3-resilient-revenue-cycle-processes) ###### 3 min read ## [3 Reasons Your Patient Notices Are Confusing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/3-reasons-why-your-patient-notices-are-confusing-1) By [Kaylee Gordon Riddle](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/kaylee-gordon-riddle) on April 11, 2019 - 3:06 PM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/iStock_000025568323_Medium-1.jpg)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/3-reasons-why-your-patient-notices-are-confusing-1) A patient notice is one of the most powerful communication tools in healthcare revenue. Without them, the patient wouldn't know how much to or when to pay. Unfortunately, 57% of patients are confused by their billing statements. The result of their confusion leads to payment delays and an increase patient call volume.  Let's be real here.  Billing offices don't have time or the resources to manage more calls and they certainly don't want to wait longer to get paid. Emerald's research team decided to tackle the problem. We worked with industry experts to improve the patient statement. We compared multiple notice templates, analyzed patient calls and other concerns related to the statement.  When we finished our analysis, we narrowed our improvements to three main areas.   Topics: [Community health](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [Community Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health-centers) [Revenue](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/revenue) [medical billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing) [Tools](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/tools) [money](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/money) [medicaidbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaidbilling) [customer service](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/customer-service) [outsourcing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/outsourcing) [patientbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patientbilling) [notices](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/notices) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/3-reasons-why-your-patient-notices-are-confusing-1) ###### 2 min read ## [Gain by Giving up: What Outsourcing Can Give You for Free](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/gain-by-giving-up-what-outsourcing-can-give-you-for-free) By [Kaylee Gordon Riddle](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/kaylee-gordon-riddle) on April 8, 2019 - 4:23 PM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/outsourcing1.jpg)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/gain-by-giving-up-what-outsourcing-can-give-you-for-free) We all love free things. But when we think of outsourcing, we typically think of letting go of a process or department; we don’t think of gaining anything. Fortunately, by outsourcing your medical billing and collections services with Emerald A/R Systems, your company can gain more than you ever thought, and for free! That’s right, Emerald A/R’s flat free pricing means all the company’s additional services are free. Let’s look at just a few freebies you can get when you outsource your billing and collections. Topics: [Medicaid](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaid) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [Company](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/company) [FQHC billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/fqhc-billing) [billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/billing) [medicaidbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaidbilling) [customer service](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/customer-service) [lockbox](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/lockbox) [outsourcing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/outsourcing) [outsource](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/outsource) [patientbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patientbilling) [notices](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/notices) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/gain-by-giving-up-what-outsourcing-can-give-you-for-free) ###### 2 min read ## [Patients May Still Be Eligible for Medicaid -- Even After a Denial](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/patients-may-still-be-eligible-for-medicaid-even-after-a-denial) By [Emerald](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/emerald) on March 11, 2019 - 1:56 PM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/iStock-1133790800.jpg)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/patients-may-still-be-eligible-for-medicaid-even-after-a-denial) Since Medicaid is a program that is jointly run by the federal and state governments, the billing requirements will vary from state to state. It's important that medical administration personnel in charge of billing understand the rules and protocols, especially where it relates to patient coverage. If a patient is denied Medicaid on the basis of failure to renew benefits, it may still be possible to receive Medicaid coverage through the program's reinstatement process. Note that this is different from situations in which a patient is denied Medicaid on the basis of income or has been otherwise excluded from Medicaid eligibility. Topics: [Medicaid](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaid) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [Revenue](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/revenue) [FQHC billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/fqhc-billing) [healthcare debt](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/healthcare-debt) [medical billing process](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-process) [medical billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing) [money](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/money) [problem solving](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/problem-solving) [billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/billing) [medicaidbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaidbilling) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/patients-may-still-be-eligible-for-medicaid-even-after-a-denial) ###### 2 min read ## [Why Medicaid’s Not Paying your Health Center](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/why-medicaids-not-paying-your-health-center) By [Kaylee Gordon Riddle](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/kaylee-gordon-riddle) on February 21, 2019 - 11:45 AM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/iStock-513643376.jpg)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/why-medicaids-not-paying-your-health-center) There are so many ways that a Medicaid claim can slip through the cracks of everyday hustle and bustle of a fast-paced clinic. Every year each health center misses millions of dollars in Medicaid payments. In fact, Emerald AR Systems has located over $2 million dollars of missed Medicaid for just 1 rural health center! Imagine what you could do with an extra $2 million dollars? There are so many reasons that these payments are missed and not paid by Medicaid. Topics: [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [communication](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/communication) [FQHC billing](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/fqhc-billing) [medical billing process](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-process) [patient communication](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/patient-communication) [problem solving](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/problem-solving) [medicaidbilling](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaidbilling) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/why-medicaids-not-paying-your-health-center) ###### 1 min read ## [FQHC Expansion Opportunities](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/fqhc-expansion-opportunities/) By [Acooper32](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/author/acooper32) on November 5, 2018 - 8:45 PM [![](https://www.emeraldar.com/hubfs/Emerald_AR_December2018%20Theme/images/slider.jpg)](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/fqhc-expansion-opportunities/) The most productive communities are communities with healthy individuals. Community Health has become the nations healthcare provider for poverty level patients. The affordable services allow individuals in our communities to get treatment without debt. Community Health centers also provide Topics: [Health Care Growth](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-care-growth) [Medicaid](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medicaid) [Medical Billing Manager](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/medical-billing-manager) [Affordable Medical Service](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/affordable-medical-service) [Billing Mamager](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/billing-mamager) [Community health](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/community-health) [Health Centers](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/topic/health-centers) [Continue Reading](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/fqhc-expansion-opportunities/) [All posts](https://www.emeraldar.com/blog/all) ### Featured ### Sign up for updates - [Contact Us](https://www.emeraldar.com/contact-us/) - [Patient Payment Site](https://youraccountcenter.com) - [Client Portal](https://clientportal.emeraldar.com) ###### Contact Us 866-299-8383 [info@emeraldar.com](mailto:info@emeraldar.com) Phoenix, AZ 85012 ©2019 Company Inc. All rights reserved. - [About Us](https://www.emeraldar.com/about-us/) - [Contact Us](https://www.emeraldar.com/contact-us/)