Asking patients to pay for surgeries up front is one solution to lower bad debt expenses, reports Kaiser Health News in conjunction with NPR.

“In the past someone at the front desk would say, ‘Would you like to pay today?’ Because the simple answer to that isWell, no! If I can walk out without paying, I’m walking out without paying!’ ” says Hertz. “Today, it’s more of ‘Mr. Smith you have an outstanding balance. How would you like to pay for that?’ ”