Guest Post – How to Select a Collection Agency
I have seen a noticeable number of dentists’ post requests on Social Media like “can someone recommend a good collection agency” which prompted me to write this article. My ultimate goal is to help educate, motivate and empower the dental community to make informed decisions regarding this important topic.
Selecting a collection agency is similar to purchasing a handpiece, car or a toothbrush in that not all are created equal. Largely, it depends on the customer and what options are most important. Factors to consider are cost, risk versus reward, patient relationships, staffing scenario and maintaining your brand.
It’s important to acknowledge that using a collection company is merely treating symptoms of a system that is not working at optimal efficiency. Here are some quick tips you can implement today to reduce your reliance on a collection service.
- Properly pre-estimate insurance portion at time of service. This can be performed internally, or you can hire a person or a company to do this for you but, it needs to be done properly.
- Have an array of third party financing options for people with a spectrum of credit scores. Consider using in house financing with guaranteed methods of payment in certain circumstances.
- Train and empower your staff to collect at time of service. If there is not a cultural expectation to be paid at check out all your efforts will be after the fact. If patients are walking out expecting a bill in the mail you are creating the problem.
Regardless of your practices efficacy inevitably you will have A.R on your books. If you are outside your comfort zone it may make sense to hire a company to help you with these balances.
Here are some prudent questions to ask a potential partner. Keep in mind the answers are not necessarily definitive but knowing may be sufficient in your evaluation.
- What states are they licensed or bonded? Knowing this will help you determine if their geographical coverage is sufficient. If your collection company is not authorized to collect in a neighboring state that can be damaging. Going with a nationwide company like mine, ameliorates this problem.
- Do they have a proven process? Do they show you what is communicated to your patients? If they are vague they may be “winging it” and this can be a liability as we are all human. Ultimately, how they communicate with your patient is a direct reflection of your values. The last thing you want is for your patients to leave negative reviews if they are treated unfairly.
- How is the company compensated? Are they working strictly on a commission basis? If so, it may be initially attractive however, there is no promise for performance from either party which often leads to disappointment. Also, if they are working with a large client with high volume and large balances whose accounts are they going to call first? Skimming is a big problem in our industry, its nothing malicious it just makes good business sense. Dental patient balances are generally considered smaller from our perspective.
- Technology. Do they integrate with your software? How do you get them data? Are they HIPAA complaint? If you have substantial AR not only not only will your staff resent you from having to do laborious data entry, the reality is it just won’t get done. Look for a partner that can seamlessly synch up with your practice management software, if you want to see this done let me know, we can do it in about 15 minutes.
- Do they specialize in the dental field? If they work in other industries how comprehensively can they understand your business? I take pride in the fact, that I specialize in working with dental practices it’s what I am passionate and is my core competency.
- Are their callers located in the U.S. or over overseas? Are you willing to allow your patients to be called from someone in another country for cost savings? Cost is important, but customer service, public perception and value is another.
- Do they report to the credit bureau? Many collection companies insinuate but do not follow through. Why is it that every financial company reports when a debt is unpaid but most often dental practices do not?
- Does the company offer first party billing solutions? Will they work as an extension of your practice like a virtual assistant to your team? If you can get the majority of your accounts to pay before 90 days you reduce the problem of having to turn people over to “collections” and the patient is more likely to stay loyal to your practice.
I hope this article has been helpful if you are considering hiring a collection agency. If you need further guidance please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Sincerely, Andy
Andy Cleveland, “The Dental Accounts Receivable Ninja” has been in the Revenue cycle space for almost 20 years and has served a variety of capacities. He started working with dental practices on the collections floor motivating difficult patients to pay on everything from hygiene visits to full mouth restorations. Learning the business from the ground up he developed a proficiency in recovering lost revenues and rose to the top of his field. He realized his skill sets were better utilized working with clients so, he moved to the consulting and service side of the business where a greater impact could be made. Currently, he works with individual and group practices optimizing their patient accounts receivable process to ensure maximum profitability and efficiency, frustration reduction and patient retention. You can check him out at www.andycleveland.com. He is the creator and Sensei of www.DentalPracticeNinjas.com a free resource designed to help dentists find reputable partners to help with other crucial functions in their practices. He has been interviewed on DentalTown, is a member of The Academy Of Dental Management Consultants (ADMC), a member of American Association of Dental Office Management (AADOM), and is a speaker and networker that enjoys specializing in the dental field.
dobry sklep
I see You’re in reality a good webmaster. This site loading pace is incredible.
It kind of feels that you’re doing any unique trick.
Moreover, the contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a wonderful task on this subject!
Similar here: e-commerce and also here: Ecommerce
ecommerce
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very
good gains. If you know of any please share. Kudos! You can read similar art here: Sklep online
dobry sklep
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords
but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share.
Thanks! You can read similar article here:
Sklep internetowy
e-commerce
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted
keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you
know of any please share. Kudos! You can read similar art here:
E-commerce
ecommerce
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some
targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know
of any please share. Thanks! You can read similar text here: Sklep online
Backlinks List
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
If you know of any please share. Kudos! You can read similar blog here: Backlinks List
Edmundo77
Wow, superb blog structure!
How long have you ever been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.
The whole glance of your web site is excellent, let
alone the content! You can see similar here prev next and those was wrote by Kent79.
Williemae75
Wow, superb blog layout!
How lengthy have you been running a blog for? you make blogging look
easy. The entire glance of your site is magnificent, let alone
the content material! You can read similar here prev next and those was
wrote by Sirena71.
Summer71
Wow, awesome weblog layout!
How long have you ever been running a blog for?
you make running a blog glance easy. The full look of your web site
is magnificent, as smartly as the content! You can read similar
here prev
next and it’s was wrote
by Ronnie92.
click
I always look forward to your new posts. You have a way of making even the most complex topics easy to understand. Excellent job!swiftnook
here
Your passion for the subject matter is evident in every post you write. This was another outstanding article. Thank you for sharing!coinsslot
website
I always look forward to your new posts. You have a way of making even the most complex topics easy to understand. Excellent job!swiftnook
click
I always look forward to your new posts. You have a way of making even the most complex topics easy to understand. Excellent job!swiftnook
central ac unit installation
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
residential aircon installation
A domain name name, or Web address, is an deal with where it is easy to be observed online. It’s how you’ll communicate yourself by means of email or your site and it’s which buyers assume of once attempting to discover you.
ac infinity installation
there are many different book genres online but i would really love to read about self help books“
centralised ac installation
Excellent article, almost all of the data was incredibly useful.
home ac installation near me
Your blog has the same post as another author but i like your better.”`,`
domestic air conditioning installation
I really wanted to compose a simple note to appreciate you for all the marvelous tips and hints you are posting on this website. My prolonged internet investigation has at the end been honored with pleasant strategies to talk about with my classmates and friends. I ‘d assert that most of us visitors actually are quite blessed to dwell in a fine network with many special professionals with valuable suggestions. I feel really grateful to have used the website page and look forward to plenty of more fabulous minutes reading here. Thank you once again for everything.
where to escape room
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to help
with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my site to rank for some
targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
If you know of any please share. Cheers! I saw similar text
here: Escape rooms list
tiktok downloader mp3
Can I simply say what a comfort to find someone that actually knows what they’re discussing on the net. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you are not more popular because you definitely possess the gift.
snaptik
There is definately a lot to learn about this subject. I like all of the points you have made.
Art
I will right away grab your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me realize in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks!
Antwan
I will right away grasp your rss as I can’t in finding your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly permit me know in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks!
Gilberto
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours as of late, but I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the internet will likely be a lot more useful than ever before!
Malinda
I’ve been browsing on-line more than three hours these days, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It’s lovely worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you did, the internet will be much more helpful than ever before!
mp3juice
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
mp3
There is definately a lot to learn about this issue. I like all the points you made.
mp3 youtube
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people in this particular topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
media marketing
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to help
with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my site to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m
not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share.
Thank you! I saw similar art here: blogexpander.com
build blog
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
SEO? I’m trying to get my website to rank for some targeted
keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Cheers! I saw similar text here: blogexpander.com
lidership
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I’m trying to get my website to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not
seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Cheers! I saw similar art here
social media
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for
some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains. If
you know of any please share. Thank you! You can read similar art here
aged domain odys global
Right here is the right website for everyone who hopes to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic that has been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just excellent.
Melvina Sevick
헝그리 샤크 에볼루션
Donte Mcpeck
에볼루션 오토프로그램 서식
harvard blog
Good blog you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
harvard blog
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.
프리랜서 대출
I’m sharing this with my colleagues right away.비대면 대출
소액 대출
I’m eager to see where this discussion goes.전세자금 대출
연체자 대출
This is exactly the kind of discussion we need.직장인 대출
학생 대출
Your perspective adds a lot to the conversation.무직자 대출
프라그마틱 환수율
I’m bookmarking this for future reference.프라그마틱 슬롯 추천
프라그마틱 슬롯
This is a timely discussion—thank you for initiating it.프라그마틱 무료 슬롯버프
검색엔진최적화 사례
I’m sharing this with my community.SEO
검색엔진최적화 대행사
I’m sharing this with my friends right away.워드프레스 seo
robotics for kids
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Appreciate it.
robots for kids
Very good post. I will be experiencing many of these issues as well..
AI for beginners
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something relating to this.
KingGame
This is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
Universities in East Africa
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I found this in my search for something concerning this.
Top Universities in Uganda
I could not resist commenting. Very well written.
jeans manufacturers
Having read this I thought it was rather informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this short article together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it.
jeans manufacturers
Your style is unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this web site.
Slot deposit
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Thanks a lot!
Slot123
Very good information. Lucky me I found your website by chance (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later.
STEM and AI for Kids
After looking at a number of the articles on your web page, I seriously like your technique of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my website as well and let me know how you feel.
Kids Learning AI
I blog quite often and I seriously appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
AI Resources for Educators
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Thank you! Where are your contact details though?
Artificial Intelligence for kids
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thanks a lot!
hishypesports
I like looking through a post that can make men and women think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment.
hishypesports
Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
rent to own houses
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be useful to read through articles from other writers and use a little something from other web sites.
sell my house fast
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own website now 😉
구글SEO
I’m sharing this with my community.구글 검색엔진최적화
porn
You made some decent points there. I checked on the web to find out more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
백링크 사이트
Well done on tackling such a tough subject.검색엔진최적화
검색엔진최적화 마케팅
I admire the depth of your research.검색엔진최적화 전문가
워드프레스 seo
I’m eager to see where this discussion goes.프라그마틱
구글상위노출 회사
Your words have given me a lot to think about.프라그마틱
오피
Your article challenges the status quo—in a good way!오피
오피
Your writing is both informative and engaging.오피
오피
Your writing is both informative and engaging.오피
오피
You’ve provided a nuanced view on this topic.오피
오피
You’ve made a strong case with your arguments.오피
오피사이트
I admire the effort you’ve put into this.오피
오피
This is such an important topic—thanks for covering it.오피
오피
Thank you for sharing such valuable information.오피
오피
Your post has clarified a lot of doubts I had.오피
오피
I’m sharing this with my colleagues right away.오피
오피
Your post has sparked a lot of ideas for me.오피
오피사이트
You’ve articulated this issue perfectly.오피
오피사이트
You’ve articulated my thoughts exactly.오피
오피
Your insights really add depth to this topic.오피
오피
Your insights really add depth to this topic.오피