Payer Participation: 4 Tips Help You Successfully Collect for Services When Your Practice Does Not Participate

Why This Topic Matters

Non-participating arrangements can create collection and workflow challenges, so practices need consistent front-end and back-end processes to reduce missed revenue and confusion about patient responsibility.

Article Sections

1. Get the Patient to Sign a Statement

   Covers patient-facing financial policy communication and the importance of setting expectations before services are provided. Also addresses collecting insurance information as part of the intake process.

2. Collect While the Patient Is In Your Office

   Discusses collecting payment during the visit when feasible and the operational reasons some practices use that approach. Also mentions situations where upfront collection may be harder to apply.

3. Know What Fees You Should Charge

   Focuses on determining charge amounts in non-participating situations and the broader relationship between practice fees, claims submission, and patient billing.

4. When All Else Fails, Turn to Collections

   Reviews general follow-up paths when payment is not received, including external collection options and the importance of timely, consistent action.