Hey guys! This question pops up every month when I send out patient statements and I finally remembered to post it here.
What does the law say about past due patient accounts and sending to collections? I was told that if you make a note to the patient that the account will be sent to collections, that it MUST be sent to collections. That you can NOT "threaten" collections and then not follow through.
We have a "PFW" (Polite note on the statement after 60 days, Firm note up to one year, then Write it off but collect if the patient returns for treatment) system that works 98% of the time, but like everyone, we need to collect every cent that's owed to us and it gets more difficult every month.
I'm doing a better job at collecting up front for deductible and co-pays, but there's always the "oh, I'll pay on my next visit" people, then they don't come back.
Our worst offenders are the patients that come over while we're providing coverage for another doctor (who incidentally is the WORST collector, everyone gets a "deal" over there). We've let his office know that his patient's will be expected to pay their co-pays and deductibles at time of service and this time when we covered we collected ALL we were due.
I guess the question is... Can I threaten collections in XXX # of days and not file if they still don't pay?
I look forward to any and all opinions (including the harsh ones), and if anyone has the legal "facts" I would greatly appreciate the help!
Dina