Blog
Hospitals Can Teach Us Better Ways of Billing Patients
In the era of the high-deductible health plan, boosting payments can seem like a tall order for clinics as they’re billing patients. One way clinics and practices can help patients deal with the realities of their higher healthcare costs is to adapt and learn from the changes some hospitals have made to their billing systems.
State Rainy Day Funds Face Challenges
When people have to tap into their rainy day fund, it’s to account for surprise expenses. Sometimes we have to fix the furnace when it breaks down, pay for Junior’s field trip, or pay for a vet bill when the dog swallows a sock. Governments have rainy day funds for the same reasons, albeit on
Plan for Collections as a Last Resort
Most customers and clients do the right thing and offer payment for the goods and services they’ve received. Unfortunately, there are always some who put you off or fail to pay altogether. If your accounts receivables are getting too high, perhaps it’s time for a hard look at your financial system, and even plan for collections work on your
Investigate insurance company takeback claims
Accuracy and due diligence in accounts receivable management is key to any management of a practice or clinic. Still, unexpected setbacks will mar even the most flawless system, disrupting projections and cash flow. One of these is a tactic used to boost profits known as insurance company takebacks or recoupments. What happens is after the
Dos and Don’ts of Easy Financial Conversations
Revenue. In the end, it always comes down to revenue—even in matters as important as one’s oral health. Experienced dentists know this, and that leads dentists handling financial conversations with their patients delicately. Chances are good that you’ve had a few tough conversations already, and you may have more in the future. To help ensure
IC System Named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune
IC System was named one of Minnesota’s top places to work by the Minneapolis Star Tribune! The Star Tribune made the 2017 Top Workplace announcement on June 21, having based their results on an employee feedback survey conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, an independent company that specializes in employee engagement and retention. Founded in 1938, IC System
Patient Bill Confusion: Creating a Drag on Your Revenue
It’s not just the insurance companies that are slow to pay—it’s also the patients. Nearly a quarter of healthcare providers say that slow-paying patients are a “significant challenge.” At least one underlying cause comes to mind: higher deductible plans. According to one survey, 39.4 percent of American patients don’t pay right away because they want
IC System Employees Roll Up Sleeves for the Red Cross
When a long Winnebago-style vehicle called the “Bloodmobile” pulls up to your office building, tensions seem high until everyone realizes that, no, it’s not a vampire transport—it’s actually just the Red Cross, and they’re here to collect donations. Twice a year, IC System’s charity group ECHO (Employee Charitable Help Organization) asks for volunteers throughout our
A case for better price transparency at the doctor’s office
One possible path to boosting revenues and reducing accounts receivables borrows a page from an unlikely place: the price transparency found in plastic surgeon marketing. Because of the elective nature of plastic surgery, this resembles a competitive market. That is, these are medical professionals who deal with patients who have to pay out of pocket.
IC System assembles hygiene bags for charity!
IC System’s in-house charity group, ECHO (Employee Charitable Help Organization), recently organized a volunteer event in our St. Paul home office in support of Joseph’s Coat. A local free store and community support organization, Joseph’s Coat supplies vital goods and services to individuals and families facing life challenges. For the week of May 15-19, ECHO
