The three most effective strategies for handling patients with overdue accounts
Hills, L.
Journal of Medical Practice Management Mpm 28(1): 20-24
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 8755-0229 PMID: 22920021 Document Number: 662276
Many medical practice employees find the collections tasks assigned to them to be a source of discomfort, reluctance, and even dread. This is understandable. Talking about overdue accounts is not something most people want to do. This article focuses on the three most effective strategies that medical practice employees can use to help them feel more confident when they handle patients who have overdue accounts. It provides a sample 135-day collection program and variations of it that many medical practices use. It offers medical practice employees 10 tips to help them develop a stronger, more businesslike attitude when they approach their collection duties. It provides a list of more than 15 daily affirmations that medical practice employees can use to develop a more positive attitude about making collection calls and having one-on-one collection meetings with patients. Finally, this article presents a worst-case scenario exercise to help medical practice employees face their worst fears about collection calls and meetings and to feel more at ease when they confront patients about their debts.