Indigent/Charity Care Policy

PURPOSE:

Putnam General Hospital is committed to providing quality Health Care Services to the community. Putnam General Hospital will abide by guidelines and consistent criteria for use in determining the patient's financial status so the appropriate classification and distinction can be made.

POLICY:

The Indigent/Charity Care Policy of Putnam General Hospital serves to provide financial assistance to uninsured or underinsured patients based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The hospital policy for use of Indigent/Charity Care funds shall only provide for services, which are medically necessary and are not elective procedures in nature. If a patient qualifies for Indigent/Charity, the Hospital charges as well as the Hospitalist pro fees are included in the write off. Following a determination that criteria are met and the receipt of approval from the Putnam General Hospital Authority or designee, write off of the account(s) to indigent or charity care may take place.

Follow the same indigent/charity care policy guidelines for Medicare accounts, processing them through the hospital's Medicare Bad Debt procedures.