Oklahoma Hospital Association Chooses nTelagent as Preferred Vendor

Through the OHA’s Preferred Savings Network subsidiary, OHA’s 130+ members will have access to nTelagent’s Retail Application for Healthcare to better serve their patients, improve point-of-service processes and reduce bad debt

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From rising bad debt to decreasing revenue and cash on hand, Oklahoma hospitals, just like those all across the country, are feeling the pinch due to the current economic climate. Thanks to a just-announced partnership with Nashville-based nTelagent, Inc., members of the Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) now have access to the tools and technology they need to better and more consistently handle both insured and uninsured patient accounts pre-registration and at the time of service. The partnership is through the OHA Preferred Savings Network, a preferred vendor network for OHA member hospitals.

“Our members provide vital, high-quality health care to the communities and patients they serve. We’re pleased to help them continue doing so by giving them insight into top-tier resources such as nTelagent’s”

nTelagent has developed the Retail Application for Healthcare, the only point-of-service collection solution for the health care industry that settles all accounts on the front end – regardless of whether the patient is insured, uninsured or charity. Similar to applications used in the retail industry at the point of sale, the company’s proprietary, automated system provides health care registrars and financial counselors with real-time scripts, telling them exactly what to do and what to say to each patient at the point of service regarding financial responsibilities.

“Our members provide vital, high-quality health care to the communities and patients they serve. We’re pleased to help them continue doing so by giving them insight into top-tier resources such as nTelagent’s,” said Craig W. Jones, president, Oklahoma Hospital Association. “nTelagent’s point-of-service solution empowers providers and their patients with much-needed tools to navigate health care’s complex payment structure, allowing for price transparency, discounts, payment plans, government assistance and charity screening, and more, all on the front end.”

More than 130 hospitals and health care entities are members of OHA. All members will have access to the Retail Application at discounted pricing. The average implementation period, including staff training, is from four to six weeks. Usage fees are based on the volume of patient registrations.

Earl T. Winter, chairman and CEO of nTelagent, noted, “The nTelagent system can dramatically improve a facility’s bottom line, allowing hospitals and other providers to focus on what matters most – providing the highest-possible quality of care and service to their patients. With the Retail Application, OHA members can discuss financial expectations and assistance with patients right from the start, which leads to fewer surprises regarding the final bill, improved patient relations, and appropriate collections on the front end for providers.”

Integrating non-credit score patient information with each provider’s own business policies and rules, nTelagent’s online interface ensures that patient financial accounting – for both insured and uninsured patients – is handled appropriately and consistently. For insured patients, the system’s next-generation insurance verification tool determines patient financial responsibility, including co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles. nTelagent’s online payment processing feature allows providers to accept patient payments in a variety of forms, and to negotiate and set up payment terms with the patient.

nTelagent’s solution also identifies and acts on behalf of patients who are eligible for but not yet enrolled in entitlement programs such as Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance, providing outreach and advocacy services to facilitate their enrollment. In addition, the Retail Application allows for and documents compliance with federal and state regulations, including the FTC’s recent Red Flag Rules.

About the Oklahoma Hospital Association/Preferred Savings Network

Established in 1919, the Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) represents more than 130 hospitals and health care entities across the state of Oklahoma. OHA’s primary objective is to promote the welfare of the public by leading and assisting its members in the provision of better health care services for all people. The OHA Preferred Savings Network is a preferred vendor network for Oklahoma Hospital Association member hospitals. Organizations that use Preferred Savings Network companies benefit from significant cost and time savings, while being assured of continuous quality monitoring. Visit OHA online at www.okoha.com.

About nTelagent, Inc.

nTelagent, Inc. has developed the Retail Application for Healthcare, the only point-of-service collection solution for the health care industry that settles all accounts on the front end – regardless of whether the patient is insured, uninsured or charity. Similar to applications used in the retail industry at the point of sale, the company’s proprietary, automated system provides health care registrars and financial counselors with real-time scripts, telling them exactly what to do and what to say to each patient at the point of service regarding financial responsibilities. Health care service providers experience increased collections, upfront and overall, and increased cash on hand, as well as decreases in bad debt and A/R days. Moving workflow to the front end of the revenue cycle, nTelagent helps providers ensure a better patient experience through clearer communication and better, more consistent handling of all patient accounts. Visit www.ntelagent.com for more information.