It is challenging to ensure insurance companies and patients pay promptly for services delivered in the dental care field. The dentist has to strike a balance between payments for the services rendered, and sticking to work ethics. The following information would ensure up-to-date dental collections are made while maintaining high levels of professionalism.
A strong internal credit policy for your dental practice should be set. This can be created by coming into a consensus with all members of the team. It is important to have the policy in writing. This can help boost understanding and implementation. The key objectives of such a policy should be to enhance the collection process and make payment more efficient. If you have a financial coordinator, he must be familiar with the credit policy you have set.
The use of automation in preparing the documents will help with timely payments prior to releasing the patients. If the patient has already left the facility, the statement should then be sent without any delay. The payment method and date of collecting the dues must be clearly communicated to the client in writing with a copy of the bill and the original retained by the dental office. It is important to provide a contact address whether through email or your website.
The financial coordinator must be well versed on the gravity and professional conduct required for the delicate work. Part of the job entails telephone follow-ups. The details and financial status of the client should be well known. The date and conditions for payment should also be clearly spelt out. For reference, short notes are taken when conversing with the patient, who needs to be reminded of the consequences over failure to pay.
Before offering services to patients, it is necessary to get an authorization form from the insurer showing the amount the company is willing to pay. This will help you provide the correct bills to the patients before they leave your premises. You can also motivate patients to pay cash, by offering discounts.
Provide an alternative plan in case the patient fails to clear the whole bill. This involves an agreement on the modalities of payment. It may or may not include interest. The patient may negotiate to pay in installments every month. However, ensure that the duration is not prolonged. The agreement should be clearly written with the rules on defaulting clearly spelt out.
It is important that you take steps to educate your office personnel in managing dental collections. The employees should have sufficient information of regarding the collection methods. If you do not have internal capacity, you should involve professionals in collecting the payments. Preferably, you should hire a reputable collecting agency with experience in the field. Although it has cost implications, it relieves the responsibility of dealing with bill defaulters thus saving time.
Dentistry is an exceptional field, unlike other areas of medical practice since it requires prompt action when a patient is in pain. It is very important to avoid creating an impression that you only value payment at the expense of the patients' welfare. This is why engaging a financial adviser is a good idea.
A strong internal credit policy for your dental practice should be set. This can be created by coming into a consensus with all members of the team. It is important to have the policy in writing. This can help boost understanding and implementation. The key objectives of such a policy should be to enhance the collection process and make payment more efficient. If you have a financial coordinator, he must be familiar with the credit policy you have set.
The use of automation in preparing the documents will help with timely payments prior to releasing the patients. If the patient has already left the facility, the statement should then be sent without any delay. The payment method and date of collecting the dues must be clearly communicated to the client in writing with a copy of the bill and the original retained by the dental office. It is important to provide a contact address whether through email or your website.
The financial coordinator must be well versed on the gravity and professional conduct required for the delicate work. Part of the job entails telephone follow-ups. The details and financial status of the client should be well known. The date and conditions for payment should also be clearly spelt out. For reference, short notes are taken when conversing with the patient, who needs to be reminded of the consequences over failure to pay.
Before offering services to patients, it is necessary to get an authorization form from the insurer showing the amount the company is willing to pay. This will help you provide the correct bills to the patients before they leave your premises. You can also motivate patients to pay cash, by offering discounts.
Provide an alternative plan in case the patient fails to clear the whole bill. This involves an agreement on the modalities of payment. It may or may not include interest. The patient may negotiate to pay in installments every month. However, ensure that the duration is not prolonged. The agreement should be clearly written with the rules on defaulting clearly spelt out.
It is important that you take steps to educate your office personnel in managing dental collections. The employees should have sufficient information of regarding the collection methods. If you do not have internal capacity, you should involve professionals in collecting the payments. Preferably, you should hire a reputable collecting agency with experience in the field. Although it has cost implications, it relieves the responsibility of dealing with bill defaulters thus saving time.
Dentistry is an exceptional field, unlike other areas of medical practice since it requires prompt action when a patient is in pain. It is very important to avoid creating an impression that you only value payment at the expense of the patients' welfare. This is why engaging a financial adviser is a good idea.
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