Financially squeezed by shrinking reimbursements and expanding uninsured patient rolls, some Atlanta hospitals are using tools to peek into patient credit reports to gauge their ability, and willingness, to pay medical bills.

Hospitals say the information helps quickly identify broke patients who qualify for charity, or free, care. Figuring out who they are early saves the hospital millions of dollars in collection costs -- processing billing statements and making follow-up calls, hospitals say. Armed with the additional information, hospitals also have better leverage in negotiating payment plans with those patients who do have the ability to pay.

But critics say access to patient financial information can lead to abuse. Hospitals might deny non emergency care to patients with a poor credit history . Overzealous billing personnel might nudge patients to tap into available lines-of-credit to pay for care.