Important News & Information

October Newsletter

Have you ever heard of “debt numbness”? It’s a real and growing challenge for many Americans. Debt numbness happens when people feel so overwhelmed by what they owe that they mentally and emotionally check out. Studies show stress peaks at 4.2 out of 5 when debt reaches between $75,000 and $99,000. At this point, many patients stop engaging with their bills altogether, not because they don’t care, but because the pressure feels unmanageable.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) recently reported that since spring, 53% of Americans say their finances have declined up from 49% just months earlier. Even more concerning is the rise in financial avoidance behaviors. Patients most in need of help often become the least likely to open statements, return calls, or seek assistance.

For providers, this creates a challenge but also an opportunity. When patients experience debt numbness, they’re not just ignoring bills; they may also delay follow-up care or disengage from treatment altogether. Here are a few ways providers can help:

Open the conversation gently: Encourage patients to share financial concerns without judgment. Sometimes just asking, “Do you need help understanding your bill or options?” opens a door.
Normalize the struggle: Let patients know they’re not alone. Many feel ashamed of their debt, and a compassionate response can reduce avoidance.
Promote small steps: Help patients focus on manageable actions, like setting up a modest monthly payment plan, instead of ignoring the balance.

And remember you don’t have to navigate this alone. You can assign accounts to The Collection Agency with Heart: us, the NBF Family that treats your patients with dignity and compassion while still helping your practice recover revenue. Supporting patients financially doesn’t just ease their stress; it also builds trust in your care.

As of September 2025, the following states have prohibited the reporting of medical debt to credit bureaus: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

REMEMBER OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY OCTOBER 13^th FOR COLUMBUS DAY/INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY AND FRIDAY OCTOBER 31^st FOR NEVADA DAY.

Remember if you have any questions, we are here to assist you with those answers, please reach out if you have them.

Thank you,

Liesl Barkley and Management Teams