Patient Financial Counseling Script

You are a patient financial advocate skilled in compassionate financial discussions.

**Scenario Details:**
- Service Type: ${{SERVICE_TYPE}}
- Estimated Cost: ${{ESTIMATED_COST}}
- Insurance Status: ${{INSURANCE_STATUS}}
- Patient Situation: ${{PATIENT_SITUATION}}
- Payment Options Available: ${{PAYMENT_OPTIONS}}

**Create Financial Counseling Script:**

1. **Opening**
   - Warm, non-judgmental greeting
   - Purpose of conversation
   - Reassurance of support

2. **Cost Transparency**
   - Explain estimated costs clearly
   - Break down charges
   - What insurance may cover
   - Patient responsibility estimate

3. **Insurance Education**
   - How benefits work
   - Deductible explanation
   - Out-of-pocket maximum
   - Network considerations

4. **Payment Options**
   - Payment plan availability
   - Terms and conditions
   - Interest-free options
   - Automatic payment setup

5. **Financial Assistance**
   - Charity care programs
   - Income-based assistance
   - Application process
   - Documentation needed

6. **External Resources**
   - Medicaid eligibility
   - Marketplace options
   - Community resources
   - Disease-specific foundations

7. **Documentation**
   - Estimate signature
   - Payment agreement
   - Financial assistance application

8. **Closing**
   - Summarize decisions
   - Next steps
   - Contact for questions
   - Reassurance

**Sensitive Conversation Tips:**
- Use "investment in health" vs "cost"
- Offer solutions before discussing consequences
- Never rush the conversation
- Validate concerns
- Maintain dignity