BIS for uniform hosp billing norms

Draft aims to ensure transparency in billing practices by disclosing all charges incurred

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT @ New Delhi

TO address rising patients' concerns on inconsistent and unclear billing by healthcare facilities and to bring in standardisation and transparency in healthcare services, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has finalised a draft, which prescribes mandatory and optional elements to be included in the hospital's bills.

Noting that the "standard applies to all healthcare organisations including hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, and outpatient clinics," the draft said that "it establishes a common benchmark for clarity and accountability in billing."

The Indian Standard Healthcare Services - Format of Hospital Bills - Requirements and Recommendations clearly states that the standard has been developed to provide an itemised breakdown of charges, enabling patients to understand their treatment expenses.