By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: 5 Tips to Ensure Timely Patient Payment
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Business > Finance > 5 Tips to Ensure Timely Patient Payment
BusinessFinanceHospital Administration

5 Tips to Ensure Timely Patient Payment

Andy Salmen
Andy Salmen
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

ensure timely patient paymentsFor physicians and other healthcare providers, the healthcare revenue cycle management 

ensure timely patient paymentsFor physicians and other healthcare providers, the healthcare revenue cycle management (RCM) function for patients can be an administrative nightmare. To help your practice do a better job of collecting on patient accounts, you must place a priority on educating patients and helping them understand the insurer’s payment policies, as well as their own billing and payment responsibilities.

Here are five tips you can use to improve the success of collection activities for your patient accounts.

1. Current And Accurate Database Management

One of the best methods for initiating better patient collection practices involves the management of your database.  When the patient calls to schedule an appointment, your staff should obtain the basic patient information first, including the following items:

  • Start by clearly identifying the specific reason for the visit.
  • Record the patient’s name (as spelled on the insurance card), address, phone number (home and mobile), email address and preferred method of communication.
  • Record the payer information, including type of plan, policyholder/participant name, identification number, policy number, and group/plan and telephone number for verification of benefits.
  • Develop a pre-registration checklist that includes cost-share information, including deductible, co-payment and co-insurance information from the health insurance plan.
  • And don’t forget to include HIPAA mandated information about who else you can talk to about the patient’s case and account.

2. Communicate With Insurance Companies 

Many patient payment problems have to do with miscommunication about the procedures or treatment that will be paid for under the health insurance coverage.  Take the necessary steps to ensure that your office has an open line of communication with the insurer.

Verify that all planned procedures and treatments have been pre-approved by calling the insurer and by reviewing the terms under their “Explanation of Benefits.”

3. Improve Techniques For Submitting Claims

Establish a clear policy for submitting claims.  If you generate patient charges in “real time,” you can post charges immediately and send them to the payer within 24 to 48 hours.  Conduct an objective analysis of your patient statement design.  

It should be easy for the person to understand what they should pay.

Patient statements should also include aging of balance and customized dunning messages for delinquent accounts.

4. Maintain Friendly Customer Relations

An important aspect of the healthcare revenue cycle management involves keeping a friendly relationship with your patients.  People choose you as their healthcare service provider because they appreciate your demeanor and the conduct of your staff. 

Exercise patience when answering questions, explaining billing procedures, encouraging patients to pay on time and communicating with you.

5. Outsource To A Third Party Billing Company

Operating a healthcare facility, physician office or other medical professional practice has become more complex.  When it comes to revenue cycle management, there are reams of contracts and rules, multiple payers to deal with, the need to track accounts receivables and other tasks that makes it increasingly difficult to manage in-house.

This can be complicated by the need for up-to-date training billing staff and the loss of key employees to turnover or retirement.

Image: franky242/ Freedigitalphotos.net

 
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Nursing Shortage Cheerleaders: There You Go Again

March 22, 2012

Wireless Health Innovators…“Where are they now?”

January 10, 2012

What is Leadership in Medicine?

April 11, 2011
Hospital AdministrationMedical Education

5 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Health Administration

July 1, 2016
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?