Wiki Patient Statements

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ashmcculley

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My former Practice Administrator taught me that when we bill a patient their balance, the due date can be minimum of 21 days from the printed statement date. I have completed the CPB course and do not recall seeing that information specifically. Our office is transitioning with new management and they are asking me if the 21 days is a legal timeframe or not. So I guess I actually have two questions:
1. How often are you allowed to bill a patient their statement/how long do you wait before sending them a reminder? Is it only as often as once per month?
2. After I print the statement, do I have to give them 30 days for a due date or is the 21 days allowed?
 
You would want to check your state law to see if there is anything about this. However, most places seem to follow a monthly cycle for statements. Technically, patient responsibility is due at the time of service. So, if the practice does not collect up front (bad), it would be due as soon as the claim is processed. It should be set up to bill as soon as the payment is posted imo. Some places have "card on file" and other methods. It depends. I always wince when I go to a provider and they won't take any money from me even though I know I have a HDHP and/or copay coinsurance. Not collecting at least something at the time of service is not good for the financial health of the practice. There are some places that have electronic reminders more frequently. Having a person do this by-hand on paper in the office is cumbersome and not efficient (depending on the size, specialty, staff, location etc.).

Also, this guidance would/should go along with a practice or facility financial policy. If you are a staff member, CPC, CPB, you probably should not be making or setting these policies or guidance. It should be at a higher level.

The no surprises act can come into play too, depending.

 
Forgot to add, you really don't want to do all of the statements all at once only on one day per month. It needs to be staggered. Otherwise your customer/patient service and posting teams will be inundated with calls and payments to post all at the same time each month. It is much better to stagger it.
 
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