Patient Balances: A Case Study

o manage A/R (keep the amounts due you to a minimum) requires an effective billing process. This process includes more than sending out a bill, and it starts when a patient calls to schedule an appointment. Processes will vary among medical practices.
Gather all patient information at the time the patient calls in for an appointment.
Obtain insurance information and verify it when the patient visits;
Establish and communicate the expectations that patient balances are due at time of service
Collect all copayments and deductibles when the patient checks in.
Work with the patient who owes past due amounts by setting up payment plans and explaining what their insurance covers and what it does not.
Accept credit and debit cards as a method of payment.
Educate the staff on collection techniques so that they understand the most effective methods of obtaining payment such as not arguing with a patient, not becoming emotional and sounding con dent; and Implement a collection process that includes steps based on the time and amount past due.
Collecting payment
Initially, the patient payment process was not effective. approach in which the patient now pays the copayment at check-in. Then, to avoid any embarrassment. when the patient checks out (which is not in the waiting room full of people), staff addresses any outstanding balances and obtains payment for them at that
time.