Dental Coach | How Do I Ask My Patient to Pay Day of Treatment?

In or out of network, one of the biggest issues is the fact that patients seem to not want to pay on or before the day of treatment. We (Collectively – over time) have taught our patients that it is OK to wait until the insurance pays and then the office will bill them.

This is no longer a viable option – A/R gets crazy out of hand and patients do not want to pay the balance until they come in next time – and that could be 6 months down the road!

Stop! Stop the madness! Start moving your patients back to collecting on or before treatment. This is vital if you are out of network or are going out of network, and if you are in network, that copay and/or deductible needs to get collected!

The first thing that needs to change is YOUR mindset. Where else can you go and receive service and not pay? Not the grocery store, not the hair salon and not the gas station. The office needs to stop thinking it is ok to let a patient leave without paying. (Of course there are exceptions, but this should never be the rule). Think of it this way – if your Doctor told you that each dollar that was not collected when due was going to be held out of your check until the patient paid it, would that be ok? NO! And you would not let the patient leave without paying either! So don’t make your Doctor wait.

The second thing is how you address it with the patient. If presenting a treatment plan, let them know that the amount you will be collecting will be due when they come in for the service (or when you schedule the reservation). When they come in, let the patient know right away the amount that is to be collected and ask how they would like to take care of that. If a patient calls to schedule an appointment and they have a balance, let them know you need to collect that to make the new reservation.

Let patients know that this is your new protocol – please do not say policy!! Put it off on the accountant – Our accountant is requiring that all copays and deductibles are paid at the time of treatment – or the insurance – your insurance is becoming more strict and requires that we collect at time of service.

Lastly, just remember to treat the patient the way YOU would want to be treated. Be kind, smile, provide the benefit to them, but be firm. Your office is providing a service and deserves to be paid for the service provided.

If your office needs help putting a collection protocol in place, Dental Concierge Coach can help. Contact us for more information on coaching and innovative team training.

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We're Here to Help.

Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary 60 minute consultation. Not sure what problems in your practice are a priority? No worries! We can prioritize your needs and put together a customized action plan that works for you AND with you!

Your Patients Deserve a Concierge Experience.

Your dental team will quickly develop the skills they need to improve your profitability, develop powerful communication, and boost your patient retention. By implementing systems and protocols through training that is personalized for your unique goals, you can push toward practice growth together as a team.

Develop Clear Systems, Protocols and Solutions

Enhance the everyday efforts of your team by incorporating proven systems, flawless customer service, and ethical practice values.

Become a Problem Solver

You will learn to spot leaks in your overhead, negotiate insurance fees with confidence, and fill your schedule with ideal, loyal patients.

Here's What You Can Expect:

one

Complimentary Strategy Session

You will have a 60 minute call with Dana to dig down and determine what your ultimate goals are and a clear picture as to next steps to get you started on achieving your success.

two

In-Office Evaluation

Coming into the practice allows us to see the office in action - what works well and what can be improved - firsthand. This allows us to best determine the actions needed to effect change in your practice. Our goal is your office running smoothly!

three

Create an Action Plan

After meeting with Dana, a collaborative customized plan based on your needs is created with you, your team and your budget in mind.

Build the Front Office of Your Dreams

At the Dental Concierge Institute, your front office associates will learn powerful tactics to improve their productivity and their customer service. Our empowered coaching can boost your patient retention and allow your front office to fill your schedule easily and effectively.

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See What Clients Just Like You Are Saying

Working with Dana was the best decision I  made for my office.  She listened to my frustrations and helped to get my team, not just the front office, on a plan for improvement that is creating a more productive and efficient workplace.  The team is happier and the systems implemented make the day easier to work and schedule changes don't interrupt the entire day any more.  I highly recommend working with Dana! 

 -Dr. Christie S.

Attention dental practice owners who want to do better: this review is for you!  Dental coach Dana Russell has helped take my practice to the next level through accountability, setting proper expectations, systems, and extraordinary customer service.  Dana has helped me achieve my goals of creating an exceptional patient experience, practice growth, and better work/life balance.  I am grateful to be working with a coach that is relatable for my team while having a patient-centered approach.  I highly recommend Dana Russell for your practice, team, and patients!

-Dr. Ryan

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Are you recording your offices incoming and outgoing calls? No? Look, I get it – the front office team has a gazillion reasons why you shouldn’t be recording calls. “Why, do you think we don’t know how to answer the […]

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Dlogo

We're Here to Help.

Contact our office today to schedule your complimentary 60 minute consultation. Not sure what problems in your practice are a priority? No worries! We can prioritize your needs and put together a customized action plan that works for you AND with you!

Your Patients Deserve a Concierge Experience.

Your dental team will quickly develop the skills they need to improve your profitability, develop powerful communication, and boost your patient retention. By implementing systems and protocols through training that is personalized for your unique goals, you can push toward practice growth together as a team.

Develop Clear Systems, Protocols and Solutions

Enhance the everyday efforts of your team by incorporating proven systems, flawless customer service, and ethical practice values.

Become a Problem Solver

You will learn to spot leaks in your overhead, negotiate insurance fees with confidence, and fill your schedule with ideal, loyal patients.

Here's What You Can Expect:

one

Complimentary Strategy Session

You will have a 60 minute call with Dana to dig down and determine what your ultimate goals are and a clear picture as to next steps to get you started on achieving your success.

two

In-Office Evaluation

Coming into the practice allows us to see the office in action - what works well and what can be improved - firsthand. This allows us to best determine the actions needed to effect change in your practice. Our goal is your office running smoothly!

three

Create an Action Plan

After meeting with Dana, a collaborative customized plan based on your needs is created with you, your team and your budget in mind.

Build the Front Office of Your Dreams

At the Dental Concierge Institute, your front office associates will learn powerful tactics to improve their productivity and their customer service. Our empowered coaching can boost your patient retention and allow your front office to fill your schedule easily and effectively.

bodylogo
quote

See What Clients Just Like You Are Saying

Working with Dana was the best decision I  made for my office.  She listened to my frustrations and helped to get my team, not just the front office, on a plan for improvement that is creating a more productive and efficient workplace.  The team is happier and the systems implemented make the day easier to work and schedule changes don't interrupt the entire day any more.  I highly recommend working with Dana! 

 -Dr. Christie S.

Attention dental practice owners who want to do better: this review is for you!  Dental coach Dana Russell has helped take my practice to the next level through accountability, setting proper expectations, systems, and extraordinary customer service.  Dana has helped me achieve my goals of creating an exceptional patient experience, practice growth, and better work/life balance.  I am grateful to be working with a coach that is relatable for my team while having a patient-centered approach.  I highly recommend Dana Russell for your practice, team, and patients!

-Dr. Ryan

Dental Coach | Why You Should Be Recording Your Office Calls

October 28, 2022

Are you recording your offices incoming and outgoing calls? No? Look, I get it – the front office team has a gazillion reasons why you shouldn’t be recording calls. “Why, do you think we don’t know how to answer the […]

Read More ››

Dental Coach | The Front Office Working Interview

October 7, 2022

You are hiring! You found the perfect front office candidate! Next up – the working interview of course. ‘How do I have this person do a working interview’ you ask yourself. You don’t. It is that simple. What are they […]

Read More ››