The secret to managing dental patients who won’t pay

Nuances

Most clients we work with have a non-payment policy in place when we start working with them. However, Enforcing it becomes difficult, especially when nuances arise. Sometimes it feels like half the patients in the practice violate the policy at some point. The question is, do you fire patients who don’t pay. Do you fire the entire family? Do you demand full or partial payment before their next treatment? We are here, so you and your team don’t have to make a new decision every time a new nuance comes up. 

The reality is if these questions show that you’re relying on a policy that is difficult to enforce is unnecessarily stressing you and your team. You just need a simple 3-step framework to transform your policy into an easy action plan for your team to avoid needing the policy at all. 

The Framework

1. Always collect at the time of service (before they sit in the chair to start).
2. If the patient cannot pay at the time of treatment, make sure you have appropriate financial arrangements available within your practice. Payment plans through a third party are recommended.
3. The only outstanding accounts receivable is with insurance claims.

The framework is easier to implement than most dentists expect and most importantly, relieves stress on the whole team. Your office doesn’t have to chase people down or create animosity by sending them to collections. While transitioning to the new policy start fresh with all new treatment and ask for any outstanding collections at the same time. Put them on a third-party payment plan if they cannot pay in full right then. If you would like the script our clients apply in their practices’ email us at [email protected].

About DrillDown Solution

At Drilldown Solution, we are your one-stop-shop for all financial management and business consulting for your dental practice. When you partner with Drilldown Solution, you gain access to exceptional accountants and CPAs who can give you expert guidance and advice on all tax planning and tax preparation issues.

We know how to devise a tax strategy aimed at reducing liabilities and maximizing profits for your dental practice. Our team of tax experts will analyze your full financial picture and design a personalized tax plan to preserve your income.

Drilldown Solution offers a full suite of financial services that include bookkeeping, accounting, tax preparation, and dental consulting. We have the expert team to help any dental practice thrive, even under the current COVID-19 pandemic circumstances. We accomplish this with a three-part system comprised of patient-experience excellence, financial focused operations, and accountability.

Our goal at Drilldown Solution is to put your dental practice in the best financial position possible, utilizing proactive processes and personal care!