What is a primary result of unclear communication regarding costs with patients?

Unclear communication regarding costs with patients can lead to misunderstandings about their financial responsibilities, which significantly impacts how and when they pay for their healthcare services. When patients do not fully understand the costs associated with their care, they may delay payments or, in some cases, choose not to pay at all. This results in an increased number of uncollectible accounts, as providers find it challenging to collect on balances that patients did not anticipate or were unaware of. Effective communication about costs serves to prepare patients for their financial obligations, ultimately reducing the incidence of uncollectible accounts.