Key Points
- Be prepared to utilize the most effective payment policy - full payment the day the services are rendered or half that day and the balance when the eyewear or contacts are dispensed.
- Be responsible for telling the patient which types of payment your office accepts (cash, check, or credit card).
- Be caring when presenting the fee. Always present the fee with a smile on your face and in your voice. Use the patient's name and itemize the services the patient has received, instead of itemizing costs.
- Be in charge when collecting payment. Asking a patient, "How much would you like to pay," or "Would you like to pay," both get a NO response. When the patient has forgotten his or her checkbook, say, No problem Mr. Masri, just put your check in the mail or drop it by our office on your way to work... Whatever is more convenient and then we'll be happy to order your new eyewear." Patients don't have the option not to pay for services rendered.
Read How the Assistant Asks for Payment
Assistant: Mr. Masri, the fee, including your comprehensive eye exam, glaucoma testing, retinal photography, your designer frame with plastic scratch-resistant lenses and ultraviolet protection, is $230. Will that be cash, check, or credit card?
Patient: Do I have to pay all of that today?
Assistant: No Mr. Masri, you can pay half today and the balance when you receive your glasses. Half of your total is $115.
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Activity
Indicate if the following statements are True or False.
1.___The office payment policy should be full payment the day services are rendered or half the day of services and the balance at dispensing.
2.___Ask each patient following their appointment, "How much would you like to pay today?"
3.___Let patients know the type of payment accepted.
4.___Put a smile on your face and use the patient's name when presenting the fee.
5.___Quote the full fee, itemizing the services not the individual costs.
Answers are at the bottom of the page. No cheating!
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