Know which patients are self-pay

If your cashier or exit receptionist doesn't know whether a patient's contract calls for a copay, you may never receive that money. Set up your computer system so it flags the self-pay patients. This will remind the receptionist to ask for a copay, deductible, or noncovered fee.

Some systems automatically create a bill for the charge as soon as someone from the practice logs in the patient. Select the method that works best for your practice and is most compatible with your computer system.

Furnish patients who refuse to pay with a special warning reminding them that they are required to pay the copay, deductible, etc., and that you will notify their insurers if the balances don't get paid or if the patients refuse to pay at their next office visit. Include such notices with patient bills or statements.