Ask the Experts: Contractual Write-Offs

For internal reporting, can underpayments and contractual write-offs be included when reporting uncompensated care? I believe that this would not be allowed when reporting to the IRS. Is that correct? 

Answer: Contractual write-offs and negotiated underpayments do not qualify as “uncompensated care.”

This question was answered by: Michele Marcum, CHFP, senior network manager, Aetna, and a member of HFMA’s Idaho Chapter.

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