Health dept. now accepting debit and credit cards

[May 31, 2013]  The Logan County Department of Public Health has joined the ranks of most businesses by accepting debit and credit cards for payment of services. Clients can now use Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, with no extra fee, to pay for medical and dental services as well as for all environmental health services, including fees for permits and testing. Paying by cash, check, money order or cashier's check remain as payment options.

The Logan County Board of Health voted to make this change to increase use of the health department's services and improve cash flow.

"In particular we're hopeful that dental clients will find this payment option an attractive way to finance much-needed dental work," said Mark Hilliard, administrator of the health department.

The transition to accepting debit and credit cards was accomplished by implementing an automated patient check-in system.

The Phreesia system automates patient intake by replacing the traditional clipboard with a PhreesiaPad, a wireless touch screen. Phreesia captures and updates patient demographic information, verifies Medicaid and Medicare Part B eligibility (for influenza and pneumonia vaccines only), and alerts staff during the check-in process about copayments and balances due.

The health department is confident these changes will enhance the client experience while keeping the services offered viable in the future.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]