Healthcare Market Payment Shift Makes Patient Co-Pays More Important

Collection Tips

Failure to collect co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance can greatly reduce the ability of a rheumatology practice to survive financially. Having an office plan and enforcing it can be a great start in running a successful practice. Below, are tips on how to organize and effectively collect patient responsibility in the office:

• Train staff on collecting co-pays up front and educate them that it is a standard business practice;
• Educate staff on verifying benefits and patient responsibility prior to patient date of service;
• Place signs in prominent areas of the office to notify patients that co-pays and deductibles will be collected prior to all services;
• Draft and mail new office policies to all patients or place document on practice website; and
• Remind patients when they call to schedule an appointment that co-pays and deductibles are due prior to service.