Practice Management Alert

When you get the old "I forgot my checkbook" excuse, don't immediately let patients off the hook on their copays. Be sure to make payment options clear. Use this checklist to make sure your office takes advantage of every collection opportunity before the patient leaves your office.

Remind patients that you collect copays at the time of service when they make their appointment and when your staff makes appointment reminder calls.

Let the patient know that you take debit and credit cards.

Know where the closest ATM is so that you can direct a patient there if she needs to pay cash and doesn't have it with her. If you collect before the visit, the patient may have the time to go to the ATM before his exam.

If you-re unable to collect the copay at the time of service, provide patients with a pre-addressed envelope to make sending in their payment easier. A brightly colored envelope can even serve as a good reminder to the patient to send in the copay.

Consider refusing to see the patient and providing service.