We have not gone so far as checking the insurance web site for each patient before they arrive. However, we ask them if they have met their deductible, and if not, collect in full. Just look them in the eye and ask if they would like to pay what they owe with cash check or card. Then be quiet and wait for them to respond. Sometimes they don't know their deductible, and we say why don't you put 150 down and we will bill the rest if needed. We also send our billing company our schedule, and they respond with what everyone owes each day. "Sir, you have a 35 dollar co-pay today and with the 70 dollars you owe from last visit, your total is $105. Would you like to pay that with cash, check, or card." "You cannot pay today, well why don't we reschedule for after you get paid."
There is a small stack of unpaid accounts each month. Under 100 they don't go to collections. Over this amount, they get a letter from the manager that they need to pay or it will go to collections, and that our policy is to discharge patients who will not pay for our services. They either pay or they are gone. You don't want those people anyway.
