5 Tips for Handling Patients Who Don't Pay

Why This Topic Matters

Past-due balances can affect cash flow, patient relations, and administrative workload. The article is relevant to organizations seeking to reduce bad debt and improve their payment policies and collection workflows.

Article Sections

1. Introduction

   Introduces the problem of unpaid patient balances and the impact of rising healthcare costs and high deductible plans on collections. Sets up the need for clearer payment policies and procedures.

2. Put policies in writing and inform patients up front about payment expectations

   Discusses establishing written payment policies and setting expectations early in the patient financial process. Covers communication during scheduling and intake and the importance of verification before visits.

3. Set up clear and effective patient follow-up procedures

   Addresses internal follow-up workflows for patients who fall behind on payments. Mentions recurring payment approaches as a way to support ongoing collection efforts.

4. Communicate practice collections and past due balances in more than one way

   Focuses on multi-channel reminders and ongoing contact for overdue balances. Emphasizes repeated outreach as part of practice collections efforts.

5. Avoid making threats

   Covers staff communication style when dealing with overdue accounts and difficult conversations. Stresses maintaining a calm and professional approach.

6. When all else fails, seek other options

   Reviews broader escalation options when internal collection efforts are not successful. Includes outside support pathways and final-step considerations.