Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Transforming Care Through Financial Transparency
Jun 23, 2025
Cathy McDowell, the President and CEO of Karen Zupko & Associates, shares her expertise in optimizing revenue cycles for orthopedic practices. She discusses how financial transparency is transforming patient experiences by shifting from simple fee postings to proactive cost communication. McDowell highlights trends in outpatient care and the importance of collaboration among providers. She also explores innovative technologies, like AI-assisted coding tools, that enhance transparency and improve patient-provider communication for better healthcare outcomes.
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Financial Transparency Builds Trust
- True financial transparency means proactively communicating patient financial responsibilities before services.
- Transparency builds trust and becomes a strategic advantage for practices, increasing patient loyalty.
Empathetic Financial Communication Training
- Train front office staff with empathetic scripts for discussing costs and deductibles.
- Supportive tone during financial conversations improves patient receptiveness and payment timeliness.
Orthopedics Navigates New Pressures
- Orthopedics faces growing value-based care and outpatient migration alongside heightened payer scrutiny.
- Leaders must align documentation with clinical intent and invest in care coordination and data analytics.