decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2009 Issue 9 (September)
When and how to send patients to collections in a bad economy
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Article Overview
This article discusses how medical practices can structure a clear patient collections workflow, including statement timing, communication with patients who are struggling financially, and when to involve third-party collections services. It is aimed at billing staff, practice administrators, and revenue cycle leaders looking for general guidance on managing outstanding patient balances while balancing firmness and fairness.
Why This Topic Matters
Patient collections affect cash flow, administrative workload, and patient relationships. The article helps practices understand the broader business and operational considerations behind a consistent collections policy.
Article Sections
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Collections policy and timing
Introduces the overall approach to handling unpaid patient balances and the role of a consistent timeline for follow-up and escalation.
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How to implement a short, firm billing process
Covers statement sequencing, patient account monitoring, and general practice-management steps used to organize a collections workflow.
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Working with patients in financial difficulty
Discusses communication with patients who may be able to pay over time and the importance of distinguishing likely payers from chronic nonpayers.
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Using collections companies familiar with medical debts
Describes the general role of third-party collections firms in supporting medical practices and managing outstanding balances.
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Bottom line
Summarizes the article’s overall business-oriented perspective on managing unpaid patient accounts.
What You Will Learn
- How practices think about the timing of patient collections follow-up
- How billing workflows can be organized around a clear collections policy
- How practices distinguish between temporary financial hardship and chronic nonpayment
- What factors practices consider when working with third-party collections services
- How collections policy supports cash flow and administrative efficiency
Who Should Read This
- Medical billing professionals
- Practice administrators
- Revenue cycle managers
- Physician office staff
- Healthcare business managers
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