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Workforce & Operations

Patient Engagement

The strategies and tools healthcare organizations use to keep patients informed and involved in their care and financial obligations, including reminders, education, portals, and two-way communication. Strong pre- and post-surgical engagement improves adherence, satisfaction, and the likelihood of patients paying their balances.

What is patient engagement?

Patient engagement refers to the strategies and tools healthcare organizations use to keep patients informed and actively involved in their care and their financial obligations. It includes appointment reminders, educational materials, portals, and two-way communication that invites patients to participate.

Engagement spans both the clinical and the financial sides of an encounter. The common thread is keeping patients aware, prepared, and able to act at each step.

Why does patient engagement matter for the revenue cycle?

Engaged patients are more likely to follow pre- and post-procedure instructions, show up for scheduled care, and understand what they owe. That preparation improves clinical adherence and satisfaction while reducing costly no-shows.

Engagement also affects payment. When an ambulatory surgery center communicates clearly about expected costs and balances before and after surgery, patients are better positioned to pay, which lifts collections and reduces confusion-driven delays.

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