In this one-minute tip, Tina shares how proper staff training can make all the difference in patient financial preparedness.

Hi, it's Tina and I'm here with your one-minute management tip.

Do you have problems with patients wanting to pay their deductibles or copayments upfront or possibly even their balances?

Well, have you looked at the training that every person in your office has had on patient financial preparedness? So that they can explain to patients, prior to them even coming into the office, what the expectations will be, how they can find out about a copayment, what a deductible portion means.

Also being able to tell the patient how they can verify their insurance benefits if they have questions, and then when they get to the office, if they have an outstanding balance. Do they know why? Can they explain to the patients why. And this is really important, especially if you use a billing company.

Maybe somebody in the office doesn't understand. They just know that they have a balance. So how can they find the explanation of benefits? Have they been trained to read one so that they can explain to the patient so they have full understanding.

And remember, be friendly. And be willing to help our patients understand. The insurance world is very confusing for us, and it's also very confusing for our patients.

If you have any questions or would like any help on financial preparation for patients visits, just email me at [email protected] or Dr. Peter Wishnie at [email protected].

You take care.
Bye.