Final answer:
If a patient cannot agree to payment arrangements, other options include exploring insurance or assistance programs, pursuing legal action, or sending the unpaid bill to a collections agency.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient cannot agree to payment arrangements, the next option would typically be to explore other payment options such as insurance or assistance programs. Many healthcare facilities offer financial aid or charity care programs for patients who cannot afford to pay. In some cases, the patient may be referred to a social worker who can help them navigate these options.
Another option is for the healthcare facility to pursue legal action to recover the unpaid fees. This would involve taking the patient to court and obtaining a judgment against them. However, legal action is usually seen as a last resort and healthcare providers will often try to work out a payment plan or negotiate a settlement before going to court.
In extreme situations, the healthcare provider may also choose to send the unpaid bill to a collections agency. The collections agency will then attempt to recover the debt on behalf of the provider. However, this can have negative consequences for the patient's credit score and should be avoided if possible.