What is a financial screening process in healthcare?

The financial screening process in healthcare is centered around assessing a patient's ability to pay for medical services. This process involves evaluating the financial resources and options available to the patient, which may include insurance coverage, income level, and any applicable financial assistance programs. By determining a patient's financial situation, healthcare providers can tailor their services and payment plans accordingly, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care without being unduly burdened by costs. This is crucial for maintaining accessibility to healthcare services and supporting patients in managing their medical expenses effectively.

The other options do not accurately reflect the focus of the financial screening process. Providing patients with free services does not encompass the assessment of their financial capability. Similarly, determining a patient's medical history pertains to their health status rather than their financial situation. Lastly, while reducing healthcare expenses is an important goal in the industry, it does not directly relate to the financial assessment of a patient's ability to pay.