Participation: Successfully Collect for Services When Your Practice Does Not Participate

Why This Topic Matters

Non-participating arrangements can create extra administrative burden and collection risk. Understanding the article helps practices evaluate whether the guidance is relevant to their billing policies, patient checkout process, and collections workflow.

Article Sections

1. Get the Patient to Sign a Statement

   Discusses patient communication, financial-policy notices, and collecting insurance information as part of the office process for non-participating payer situations.

2. Collect While the Patient Is In Your Office

   Reviews timing considerations for obtaining payment during the visit and factors that can affect whether upfront collection is practical.

3. Know What Fees You Should Charge

   Addresses broad fee-setting considerations for services billed outside a participating payer arrangement and general claim/payment handling.

4. When All Else Fails, Turn to Collections

   Covers general escalation options when payment is not received, including office follow-up and outside collection pathways.