November 4, 2010
Georgia Watch and Tift Regional Medical Center have joined together to sponsor “Affording Hospital Care,” a free consumer workshop to be held on Tuesday, November 16 at the Neighborhood Services Center in Tifton.
The event aims to empower consumers on how best to approach a hospital visit and keep in check rising healthcare costs. Also at the workshop, consumers will learn the latest health news, including the potential impact of the recently passed federal healthcare law.
“Medical debt is something that can affect any of us at any time,” Georgia Watch Hospital Accountability Project Director Holly Lang said. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to team with Tift Regional to talk with patients and residents about ways to navigate the hospital’s financial assistance system in addition to other relevant health issues that are important to everyone, regardless of whether you have insurance.”
At the event, Lang and Georgia Watch deputy director Danny Orrock will discuss how to: navigate hospital financial assistance programs; discover additional cost-saving options that make hospital expenses more manageable; and avoid predatory lending and high-interest loans for medical expenses. Representatives from Tift Regional will be on hand to answer questions about bills and any other inquiries related to financial services.
The day will be broken into two workshops: a lunch session at noon and an evening session at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and includes a complimentary meal. Seating is limited so advance registration is recommended. Register online at Tift Regional’s website in the “Calendar of Events” section (click here) or call 229-353-6318 or toll free 800-648-1935, ext. 6318.
The Neighborhood Services Center is located in Tifton at 2731 South Central Avenue, immediately near the Tifton Community Health Center.
About Tift Regional:
With a reputation as an innovative provider of quality care, Tift Regional Medical Center is a not-for-profit, 191-bed regional hospital serving 12 counties in South Central Georgia. Located in Tifton, the hospital’s medical staff includes more than 95 physicians with the majority board-certified in over 30 specialties. Tift Regional provides a wide-range of services, including six Centers of Excellence offering advanced, expert care in oncology, cardiology, neurology, surgery, women’s health and emergency medicine.