Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement - 2009 Issue 13
BILLING: Collect at the Time of Service With Ease Using These Quick Tips
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Article Overview
This article explains a billing and collections approach used in medical practices that do not participate with certain insurance plans. It focuses on why some practices try to collect payment during the visit, how they communicate payment expectations to patients, and why the approach may not work in every setting. The piece is aimed at practice managers, billing staff, and coding/billing specialists who want general guidance on patient financial policies and collection workflow.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding patient payment collection policies can help practices reduce missed revenue and set clear expectations for non-participating billing arrangements. The article is relevant to organizations looking to improve front-end communication, financial notices, and collection procedures without relying on the payer to remit payment to the practice.
Article Sections
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Payment collection challenges for non-participating providers
Introduces the general revenue issue faced by practices that are not contracted with a payer. It outlines the collection concern and the basic context for the rest of the discussion.
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Posting the practice policy
Covers ways practices communicate financial expectations to patients before and during the visit. It discusses notices, signage, appointment reminders, and payment communication processes.
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When upfront collection may not be possible
Describes limitations of collecting payment at the time of service in certain practice settings. It includes a brief example of a specialty workflow where patients may not be physically present.
What You Will Learn
- How some practices approach patient payment collection when they are not participating with a payer
- Why clear financial policies and patient communication matter
- What practical limits can affect collecting payment during the visit
- How collections workflow may differ across practice types and specialties
Who Should Read This
- Practice managers
- Billing staff
- Coding and billing specialists
- Front office staff
- Medical office administrators
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