I wasn't the one who was soft about using a collection agency...but my business partner was. I no longer have trouble talking directly with pts about their bills, and letting them know we will be sending them to collections. The ability for us to remain open is directly related to getting them/their insurance agency to pay their bills. Period.
No one is allowed in without a copay any longer (okay...true emergencies are the exception, but those usually go to ER not here). That alone took care of a huge problem.
Look at it this way. Do you call the plumber and expect them to fix your plumbing just because you need it...for nothing? I don't think so.
