Final answer:
Providers should establish patient financial responsibility and assistance policies and follow them internally and externally by third-party payers. Accreditation bodies can also play a role in maintaining a good reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In healthcare, providers are advised to establish patient financial responsibility and assistance policies to ensure smooth operations. Besides following these policies internally, providers are also advised to follow them externally by third-party payers. Third-party payers are organizations that offer health insurance coverage, such as private insurance companies or government programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
By adhering to the policies set by these third-party payers, providers can ensure accurate billing and reimbursement for the services they provide. This helps them maintain financial stability and provide quality care to patients.
Accreditation bodies, on the other hand, evaluate and certify healthcare organizations, ensuring they meet specific standards of care. While accreditation is not directly related to patient financial responsibility, it is essential for providers to maintain a good reputation and trustworthiness among patients and other stakeholders.