This is a study of the relationship between consumer credit scoring and the resolution of a patient's account for hospital services. Accounts studied were classified as Good accounts or Bad accounts based upon their final resolution. Bad accounts were those written-off to bad debt with Good accounts being all others. The probability of predicting a patient's account being either Good or Bad was based upon a consumer credit scoring process. The null hypothesis of this study was that the consumer credit scoring process would not provide any indication about the outcome or resolution of the account. Analysis of the credit score and the outcome of the hospital account suggested the consumer credit score would indicate the patient's reliability in taking responsibility for the account. Based on the confidence given to credit scoring in consumer markets and the results of this study, the consumer credit score would have value for the health care industry.

This pilot study examined the feasibility of computer aided instruction (CAI) as supplemental interactive nutrition education for patients requiring chronic dialysis. The CAI prototype was developed using Gagne's Model of Instructional Design and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Forty-two patients were enlisted from a chronic dialysis clinic and assigned randomly to either treatment or comparison group. All subjects completed pre- and post-test questionnaires regarding their phosphorus-rich food consumption habits. Each group received the usual phosphorus control education adjunct to the monthly lab review. The experimental group also received supplemental education by CAI. Serum phosphorus lab results were assessed for change after use of the CAI. Near significance was observed between the study group's phosphorus lab results difference means, t = 1.79, df= 40, p = .08. Comparison of pre-test and post-test data assessed changes in the dependent variables, attitude, perceived control, intent and behavior. The differences for the behavioral dependent variables means were not significant as determined by t-tests. The CAI was well accepted (m = 1.47 ± 0.95) by the subjects without respect to gender or age. Interactive CAI nutrition education was acceptable. Replication with a larger sample would allow opportunity to determine the significance of differences.