When should an MAA follow up with overdue accounts?

Following up with overdue accounts after 30 days from the due date is a proactive approach that aligns with standard practices in medical billing and collections. Waiting this period allows for the initial grace period during which patients may be expected to resolve any billing issues on their own. Additionally, many healthcare providers institute a 30-day period to monitor payment patterns and allow for any potential delays that may occur within the patient's financial obligations.

This timing is also beneficial for maintaining positive relationships with patients; it shows understanding while still addressing the importance of timely payments. A follow-up at this point lets the medical office communicate effectively with patients—reminding them of their outstanding balance and giving them an opportunity to make arrangements or resolve any potential misunderstandings related to the bill.

Following up as soon as the bill is generated could overwhelm patients with immediate demands for payment, which is generally not seen as customer-friendly. Also, waiting until the next patient visit or only once a year may fail to encourage timely payments and could result in a backlog of overdue accounts, which is less efficient for the financial health of the practice. Hence, the choice of following up after 30 days is well-founded in maintaining operational efficiency and patient relations.