The best way to improve front-desk collections is preparation. If your front desk does not collect from the patient, while at the practice, the result will be decreased revenue and weaker cash flow, coupled with more work. Here are two steps to improve your front desk collections.
Step 1. Two days in advance. Review the accounts receivable with the names of scheduled patients. Patients with still-outstanding balances should be given a reminder call that includes a reminder on the outstanding balance. Another option, if you prefer not leave such messages, is to ask those patients to call, by name, a billing staff member to confirm their appointment. When these patients call, they are reminded of the outstanding balance. For larger balances that are starting to age, consider asking patients to deal with these accounts in order to keep their appointments.
Step 2. One day in advance. You may prefer to couple this with Step 1. All accounts of patients scheduled for the next day should be reviewed. For each established patient:
Most of the following three activities can be assisted by your clearinghouse. Many practices are unaware that their clearinghouse systems can provide data on patient eligibility, deductibles and copays. The following leading clearinghouse companies provide the usual claims submission functions, but also provide the data being sought in Step 2: RealMed, Gateway, Navicure and ZirMed. Their customary charges, including all these services, are usually in the range of $80 to $125 per physician, per month.
These preparatory steps will lessen pressures on your front desk staff and will result in improved collections results.
Learn more about Conomikes Associates.
Step 1. Two days in advance. Review the accounts receivable with the names of scheduled patients. Patients with still-outstanding balances should be given a reminder call that includes a reminder on the outstanding balance. Another option, if you prefer not leave such messages, is to ask those patients to call, by name, a billing staff member to confirm their appointment. When these patients call, they are reminded of the outstanding balance. For larger balances that are starting to age, consider asking patients to deal with these accounts in order to keep their appointments.
Step 2. One day in advance. You may prefer to couple this with Step 1. All accounts of patients scheduled for the next day should be reviewed. For each established patient:
- Determine their eligibility. Check to determine if they are still actively in the plan. If not, a billing staff member should the patient should get more current data.
- Determine if any deductible is due. If so, this should be noted in the appointment schedule.
- Determine the amount of the co-payment. This should be noted in the appointment schedule as well.
Most of the following three activities can be assisted by your clearinghouse. Many practices are unaware that their clearinghouse systems can provide data on patient eligibility, deductibles and copays. The following leading clearinghouse companies provide the usual claims submission functions, but also provide the data being sought in Step 2: RealMed, Gateway, Navicure and ZirMed. Their customary charges, including all these services, are usually in the range of $80 to $125 per physician, per month.
These preparatory steps will lessen pressures on your front desk staff and will result in improved collections results.
Learn more about Conomikes Associates.