Want better collections? – Start at the beginning

Do any of you remember fondly the days of the handwritten appointment book, with the patient’s name, phone number and brief description of the reason for the visit “penciled” into the book?  And then not so fondly, sharing the book with other front desk staff or the nurse?  All patient appointments require full registration in today’s world.  Although time consuming, register the patient completely, with full demographic and insurance information when scheduling the appointment.  This allows for electronic demand or batch verification of eligibility and benefits before the patient arrives and will save chasing the patient later.  When the patient presents at the front desk, scan their insurance card into the system with a small scanner made for the purpose.  No more walking to the copier and copying the front and back of the card.  Investing in this technology will pay off.