Medical practices accept the patient's health insurance card and copayment as good faith that the practice will be paid for the services rendered. It is the medical administrative professional's responsibility to verify insurance coverage and collect copayments at the time of service.
Recently, patients are responsible for paying more of their healthcare costs themselves due to larger co-pays and high-deductible health plans. As a result of the increase in patient-payment over the past years, provider's offices may experience some difficulty collecting payment at the time of service and even have a higher number of patients with outstanding balances on their accounts
- Is it fair to ask for money from patients on the date of the service? Why or why not?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages involved with collecting payment at the time of service?
- When a patient becomes angry or embarrassed that they are being asked for payment, what will you do to lessen their negative reaction?