MMS Members Can Get Help with Debt Collection

Every practice faces it at some time or other: collecting overdue accounts. It is burdensome, time consuming, and uncomfortable for office staff, who often aren’t trained in debt collection. Yet it can’t be ignored.

Doctors and their staff frequently delay collection efforts, fearing that they may be perceived badly and tarnish the physician-patient relationship.

When the task of following up on unpaid accounts becomes difficult to manage yourself, consider passing the accounts to a professional collection agency. These agencies have the experience and knowledge to skillfully handle personal contact by phone or mail in a low-key, friendly manner.

Knowing that the longer an account goes unpaid the more likely it will remain unpaid, these companies understand the value of following up in a timely fashion, and they know how to comply with the laws governing debt collection.

Some physician are wary about collection agencies out of concern for the techniques such agencies may use. Practices should look for an agency with a strong reputation for ethical conduct and one that offers flexibility in its approach to collection.

With these criteria in mind, the MMS has endorsed the collection services of I.C. System. Its programs are designed to collect overdue accounts while safeguarding patient relationships.

For more information about the collection programs offered by I.C. System, call (800) 279-3511 or visit www.icsystem.com/associations/mms.htm. Mention your MMS membership and ask about the company’s value-added benefits.

– Carolyn Maher