DA 4 Collections Flashcards
Patient Attitudes to Fee Payment
normally pay- unable to do so are NOT COLLECTION RISK
rise in dental coverage = free dental service attitude
Reason for delinquent Account
fee not explained before treatment
delay office follow-up
payment option not provided
fees exceed expectations
General Categories of “Debtors”
Not at Fault- Layoff, strike
Chronically Slow- has funds, delay pymt.
Overextended-lives beyond means and in constant deficit
Negligent- poor money manager, will pay when reminded
Fraudulent- no intention of paying
Dental Team Members Attitudes and Approaches
attitude towards pt fee often result from our attitude
Prejudgments and stereotypes
never prejudge pt’s ability to pay bill
prejudging makes decision for pt on subconscious level
Why is collection important?
Sufficient Cash Flow
provide income to pay expenses and team
prevent collection issues by
collecting at time of service
immediately follow up if pt. doesnt pays
Collection Procedures
payment in full- payment after treatment
ins Billing- paid by third party carrier
In house payment plan- installment, prepaid, monthly
3 Collection Procedures
Statements
Telephone Call
Collection letters
Asset vs Liability
asset under 30 days
liability overdue become liability
statements
within 30 days sent if not given at end of appt
sent same day each month
60 days 2nd sent statement/collect letter w/in
phone call
90 day days final collection letter
Most succeful collection method
phone call
made after statement sent
consideration before instigating collections procedures
- patient complaint of service
-correct billing
-patient illness
patient statement understanding
collection Phone calls- ethics
do not call late/early (harass)
- pt confidentiality (discreet msg)
Collection Agency
specialize in Debt collection
