On the flip side, I do have a problem with a patient coming in and being charged $100 on Monday, which they don't pay, then coming in Tuesday and paying it. The receptionist did nothing and still made money.
However, if you just accept that she will make money she may not deserve, the system may work. Like anything you have to track it.
I can see them getting in on a piece if it's aged out into 90+ days and you don't want to use a collection agency, but if the balance is in the realm of CURRENT (0-30 days) on a statement, NO, IMO they shouldn't be getting any extra incentive to do their job - especially when the charge is barely 24-hours old. If you're utilizing your staff to collect Outstanding balances that could otherwise be sent to collections (i.e. +90 days and over $125+), then sure, give them a cut. But you shouldn't have to pay them extra to do part of their job description: collecting current copays and coinsurances.
It sounds like you're being taken advantage of. That's your pay. Your staff is likely getting paid by the hour. The overhead is getting paid before you are. You're a better employer than I would be were I in your position; I work for someone else and would never think to ask him to give me a portion of back balances that he's owed.
Am I correct in my understanding of your collection incentive or am I misinterpreting?
