Unpaid medical bills can be very problematic for both the patient and the physician’s medical practice. Patients that fail to pay medical bills run the risk of negatively affecting their credit score for many years, sometimes up to seven years. On the other hand, practices that are running their business find it very costly to follow up and go after patients that do not pay their bills in full.

Healthcare revenue cycle management experts at AR Logix, Inc offer common reasons why patients do not pay their bills. AR Logix, Inc.

The first, and top explanation is that the patient is unemployed, and they recommend that doctors be understanding to their situation, but do your best to have the patient make their payments.

A second major reason is that the patient is severely ill. In such cases it is important to continue the case unless you find that the patient is in very grave conditions and has no assets left to them. In this is so, you must end the collection pursuit.

The third reason given is that the payment may be in the mail. This is a common excuse, but it may be true. To find out if the patient is telling the truth, ask for the amount of the check, the date, the check number, and the bank the check is written from. Tell the patient that you will be calling in two business days if you do not receive the check by mail.

To learn more about AR Logix, Inc, an industry leader in providing solutions key components of the medical revenue cycle, visit their healthcare accounts receivable informational webpage.