Which of the following is NOT a financial counseling best practice?

Encouraging all patients to apply for financial assistance is not considered a financial counseling best practice because it may not take into account the individual circumstances of each patient. While it is important to identify those who are eligible for financial assistance, not all patients may need or qualify for such help; some may have the financial resources to cover their costs independently.

The focus of financial counseling should be on providing tailored guidance based on each patient’s unique financial situation, rather than a blanket recommendation for all patients to apply for assistance. This personalized approach helps ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that patients are informed about all their options, including those that may involve paying their bills upfront without assistance.