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.
The dental service provider needs to formulate a strong internal credit policy. It is important to have a consensus on the guidelines with all members of the team. The policies should be written, easy to understand and execute. The main aim of the policy is to reinforce the procedure for collecting and reduce the time for payment. There is a need for a financial coordinator to handle the finances and ascertain the status of the patient's creditworthiness before any treatment is provided
For prompt payment, it is important to prepare the bills electronically prior to discharge of the patient, thus saving time. The billing statement should then be sent promptly to the patient. The clearance of the bill and collection procedures must be communicated to the patient clearly in writing. A duplicate of the form should be given to the patient while the original should be filed by the dental office. Include your telephone contacts or website address for any issues that might need any clarification.
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.
It is important to remember that dental practice is unique because it requires urgent action to be taken to help a patient in pain. It is important to ensure that you do not create an impression among your patients that money is all that matters. This is another reason why it is advisable to hire a financial manager to handle the job for you.
The dental service provider needs to formulate a strong internal credit policy. It is important to have a consensus on the guidelines with all members of the team. The policies should be written, easy to understand and execute. The main aim of the policy is to reinforce the procedure for collecting and reduce the time for payment. There is a need for a financial coordinator to handle the finances and ascertain the status of the patient's creditworthiness before any treatment is provided
For prompt payment, it is important to prepare the bills electronically prior to discharge of the patient, thus saving time. The billing statement should then be sent promptly to the patient. The clearance of the bill and collection procedures must be communicated to the patient clearly in writing. A duplicate of the form should be given to the patient while the original should be filed by the dental office. Include your telephone contacts or website address for any issues that might need any clarification.
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.
It is important to remember that dental practice is unique because it requires urgent action to be taken to help a patient in pain. It is important to ensure that you do not create an impression among your patients that money is all that matters. This is another reason why it is advisable to hire a financial manager to handle the job for you.
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