Get Paid Faster: Dos and Don’ts of Sending Effective Patient Payment Reminders 

Medical billing is complicated.   

Patients often get confused about when and how much they owe to the practice. Some forget to pay their dues, while others struggle with payments due to a lack of financial transparency.  

Here is where payment payment reminders come to the rescue. However, many healthcare providers often find themselves stuck in a dilemma – When should they send these reminders? How many should they send? What tone should be used?  

Healthcare practices must find a balance by sending effective payment reminders encouraging patients to pay without harming the relationship.   

To address these questions, here are the dos and don’ts that practices must remember to make their reminders more meaningful and effective.  

The Dos:   

Do Personalize Your Messages:   

The sense of personal touch always works when it comes to sending patient payment reminders. Make sure to include the correct patient’s name and specific details about the outstanding bill, such as the amount due and the due date.   

Do Use Multiple Channels:   

Different patients have different communication preferences. So, leverage various digital channels to reach patients, such as email, SMS, and even automated phone calls to make them see and respond to the reminder.   

Do Keep Messages Clear and Concise:   

Your message should be straightforward and avoid unnecessary jargon. Include all necessary information, such as the amount owed, the due date, and instructions on how to make the payment.  

Note: Vary the subject lines of your reminders so that they stand out in a sea of emails. 

Do Provide Easy Payment Options:   

Facilitate easy payment by including direct links in reminders, online website options or other payment methods. The easier it is for patients to pay, the more likely they are to do so promptly.  

Do Follow-Up:   

Sending a follow-up reminder a few days before the due date can serve as a helpful nudge for patients who might have overlooked the initial reminder. Consistent follow-ups can significantly improve payment rates.  

Do Respect Privacy:   

Ensure digital payment reminders comply with HIPAA regulations and other relevant privacy laws. Use secure communication methods and avoid sharing sensitive information through unsecured channels.  

The Don’ts:   

Don’t Overwhelm with Frequent Reminders:   

Sending too many reminders can lead to frustration and may even result in them ignoring your messages altogether. Instead of bombarding patients with frequent reminders, stick to a reasonable schedule, such as an initial reminder and a follow-up closer to the due date.  

Don’t Use Aggressive Language:   

Late payments can sometimes be frustrating, but that shouldn’t be reflected in the messages. Avoid using language that could be perceived as threatening or overly insistent. The goal is to encourage payment, not to alienate patients or create a negative experience.  

Don’t Ignore Patient Feedback:   

Pay attention to any feedback you receive from patients regarding your payment reminders. If patients indicate that they prefer a different communication method or find your messages unclear, be willing to adjust your approach accordingly.  

Don’t Forget to Verify Contact Information:   

Before sending out reminders, ensure you have the correct contact information for each patient to avoid missed reminders and delayed payments.  

Don’t Assume One Size Fits All:   

Patients may have different needs and preferences. For example, older patients might prefer email, while younger patients might respond better to text messages. So, tailor your reminders to accommodate these differences.   

The Power of Automated Payment Reminders:   

Late payments can be a massive hassle for any healthcare practice. Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: automated payment reminders.   

By setting up these automatic reminders, you can avoid the stress of chasing down late payments and get paid faster.  

Automated patient payment reminders can be sent via email or text, allowing you to choose the best method for you and your patients. You can even personalize the messages to add a special touch that encourages timely payments. If you’re tired of dealing with late payments, switch to digital payment solutions with automated reminders and watch how quickly you start getting paid.  

Take the example of one of CheckinAsyst’s customers, Galardi Bowen Plastic Surgery. The practice boosted payment collection by 30% by leveraging automated and digital tools, including automated payment reminders, online website collection, and payment before or after check-in.  

Additionally, Premier Surgical Associates, another CheckinAsyst customer, saved staff time and reduced 12 hours per week by automating payment reminders. Sounds interesting, right?   

To sum up:  

It’s quite common for practices to get overwhelmed with sending payment reminders. But the good news is that you can follow these tips to write effective payment reminders that lead to action. And if you want to make things even easier, automate your payment reminders with CheckinAsyst’s digital payment solution. That way, you’ll never have to worry about late payments again. Contact us today to learn more.