Table 2 A guide for clinicians to improve cost communication
Time | Costs of care | Financial burden |
|---|---|---|
At initial appointment | ● Discuss options of therapy, with estimates of costs ● Provide information on fees to attend services, e.g., healthcare appointments, hospital services | ● Discuss patient employment, insurance coverage and household income status ● Suggest local and national support services if available ● Consider early introduction to financial navigator to develop a financial plan |
At follow-up appointments | ● Discuss costs of treatment when prescribing new therapies ● Discuss ability to afford current prescribed therapy ● Assess for presence of cost-saving strategies, e.g., skipping doses or appointments | ● Screen for presence of psychosocial issues arising from financial burden ● Explore ability to work and patient’s support network ● Consider referral to financial navigator or counsellor |