Practice Management Alert

A seasoned biller shares some of her best tactics

Most billing offices struggle to determine the specific details that make their collection efforts successful. Check out these tried-and-true tips from Hannah G. O'Brien, administrator with Deborah J. Morris and Associates, MD, PA, in Owings Mills, Md: When a patient with an outstanding balance calls to schedule an appointment, the receptionist should inform the patient of his current balance and ask him to bring the payment when he comes into the office. This works well because the patient knows exactly how much money to bring to the visit and there are no surprises. Then at checkout, you can request payment for that day's service and the overdue balance. If the patient can't pay right there, have him meet with the billing staff to arrange a payment plan.

Send an account to collections after three statements (90 days). People often move around, and it is easy to lose track of them if you wait too long. Write or stamp "Return Service Requested" on the envelope when you send a bill. If the patient has moved and left a forwarding address, the post office will return the bill to you with the patient's new address. Send all necessary accounts to collections prior to tax return time. Some patients may feel more like paying their bills when they've just received money in the mail. Others may try to make an expensive purchase that requires good credit (such as a car) but won't have a clear credit report until they've settled their bill with the collector.