SARASOTA, Fla. – (Nov. 9, 2022) – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System was recognized today as one of the Best Hospitals for Billing Ethics in America in a first-ever study published by Money.
Money teamed up with healthcare nonprofit The Leapfrog Group to share their first-ever Best Hospitals ranking to help consumers make educated decisions about which institutions not only provide safe, quality care, but also are most likely to treat people fairly when billing for that care. To be eligible, hospitals had to achieve at least an A or B grade on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assessment for Fall 2022 and meet the following criteria specific to billing ethics during the survey period:
- Provide detailed, itemized bills to patients within 30 days of treatment
- Provide clear instructions on how to contact someone if there’s a dispute on charges, and establish a payment plan if needed
- Does NOT take legal action against patients for late or insufficient payment of a medical bill
“Ethical billing practices demonstrate true respect and compassion for patients, which are essential building blocks of high-quality health care,” said Leah Binder, President and CEO, The Leapfrog Group.
For more information about this study and methodology, click here.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Founded in 1925, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with more than 1,900 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than a million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, a freestanding ER in North Port, and a comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices that stretch from Manatee County to North Port. As the region's only public health system and not-for-profit health care provider, SMH serves as a critical safety net for the uninsured in Sarasota County. Visit smh.com for information.