Hospitals have increasingly implemented medical payment products — such as credit cards and loans administered by hospitals, physician practices or third-party companies — and the process has come under scrutiny by consumer advocate groups.

Now, researchers with the USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics have released findings that show a surprising percentage of hospitals using these products, and what it may mean for patients.

The study was published in JAMA Health Forum.

To learn the results, click here.