Which process helps in determining a patient's ability to pay for treatment?

Financial clearance is crucial in assessing a patient's ability to pay for treatment. This process typically involves reviewing the patient's financial information, insurance coverage, and any out-of-pocket costs they may incur. Financial clearance ensures that healthcare facilities can establish a patient's financial responsibility regarding their treatment before services are rendered, allowing for the identification of payment options and potential financial assistance if needed.

This process mitigates the risk of unpaid bills for the healthcare provider and prepares them to communicate effectively with patients about their financial obligations. In contrast, while patient admission is important for initiating care, and claims processing and insurance billing are vital for managing reimbursements and payments post-treatment, they do not directly assess a patient's ability to pay beforehand. Thus, financial clearance stands out as the key process in determining a patient's capacity to afford treatment.