Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Health revamps its payment policy

Indianapolis-based St. Vincent Health is ending a long-standing policy of turning over accounts of patients who are behind on their bills to an outside collection agency. The move could affect an estimated 35,000 patients with outstanding balances totaling about $70 million at St. Vincent's 17 Indiana hospitals. Previously, St. Vincent had turned over the accounts after the patients' bills were 120 days past due. St. Vincent representatives also said the organization is no longer charging interest on debt.