How can medical practices increase patient collections while complying with the No Surprises Act?
Practices increase collections by collecting copays and estimated deductibles at check-in, keeping an encrypted Credit Card on File (CCOF), delivering electronic text-to-pay billing links within 48 hours of ERA adjudication, offering automated zero-interest payment plans, and providing compliant Good Faith Estimates (GFEs) to uninsured or self-pay patients within 1 to 3 business days of scheduling.
1. The Rising Share of Patient Financial Responsibility
With the proliferation of High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs), patients are responsible for an unprecedented portion of their medical costs.
Treating patient collections as an afterthought mailed 90 days after service guarantees write-offs and bad debt.
2. The Modern 4-Step Patient Financial Experience
Best practices from Med Billing Solution LLC
Modernize patient billing with these 4 operational steps:
- Step 1: Upfront Cost Estimation & Transparency – Estimate remaining deductibles and copays during appointment confirmation; provide clear Good Faith Estimates.
- Step 2: Secure Card on File (CCOF) Protocol – Store vaulted, tokenized card credentials with signed patient authorization for balances under a specified threshold (e.g., $150).
- Step 3: Instant Text-to-Pay Notification – As soon as insurance adjudicates and returns the ERA, trigger an automated SMS with a secure 1-click payment link.
- Step 4: Flexible, Automated Payment Plans – Offer 3- to 6-month automated zero-interest installments for higher surgical or procedural deductibles.
3. Ensuring Complete No Surprises Act Compliance
Ensure your practice website and physical reception display the mandatory CMS No Surprises Act disclosure notice. Provide self-pay patients with a comprehensive Good Faith Estimate within statutory timeframes to prevent federal mediation penalties.