Collecting the remaining out-of-pocket expenses has become a key issue for clinics and doctors' surgeries, particularly for those practising in sector 2 or charging higher fees. While the majority of treatments are partially reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie and mutual insurance companies, the remaining out-of-pocket expenses are the responsibility of the patient. And it is often at this stage that unpaid bills and delays accumulate.
In this article, we'll explore the best practices for securing, speeding up and simplifying the payment of out-of-pocket healthcare expenseswhile improving the patient experience.
1. Identify the obstacles to the collection of out-of-pocket expenses
First and foremost, it is essential to understand why out-of-pocket expenses are a problem:
- Patients do not always know in advance how much they will have to pay.
- Payment is generally made after repayments, which delays collection.
- Traditional payment methods (cheque, transfer, remote card) are poorly adapted to modern flows and create manual tasks.
- The subject of payment is a sensitive one in the doctor-patient relationship: reminders can damage this relationship.
2. Inform the patient in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises
A simple strategy, but too little implemented: communicate clearly when you make an appointment.
- Provide an estimate of the total cost, including the anticipated amount to be paid out of pocket.
- Specify the payment methods accepted.
- Anticipate questions relating to reimbursement by providing simple answers.
This transparency enhances trust and greatly reduces the risk of disputes or refusal of payment.
3. Offering modern, deferred payment solutions
Today, it is possible to set up systems for deferred payment with bank imprint:
- Secure payment without immediate collection.
- Only debit the exact amount remaining to be paid, once reimbursements have been made.
- Avoid reminders and billing errors.
This model is particularly well-suited to costly treatment or consultations involving extra charges. It combines flexibility for the patient and peace of mind for the healthcare professional.
4. Dematerialising the payment process for greater efficiency
Digital solutions make it possible to automate cash collection and make it more reliable:
- Pre-consultation online payment via link or patient portal
- Taking a bank imprint when making an appointment
- Automatic reconciliation between the estimated amount and the actual out-of-pocket expenses
This dematerialisation reduces the workload on the secretariat, cuts down on reminders and speeds up the collection of fees.
5. Choosing the right payment solution for the medical sector
Not all payment solutions are equal when it comes to the specific needs of clinics and medical practices. You need :
- A solution that manages deferred payment with automatic adjustment.
- A simple platform, without a physical terminal or heavy installation.
- An RGPD-compliant tool that inspires patient confidence.
Some solutions, such as Swikly meet these needs by allowing you to reserve an amount without debiting it, and then automatically adjust it to the actual outstanding balance.
Conclusion: inform, dematerialise and equip well
Optimising the collection of out-of-pocket expenses involves transparency, modernisation of payment tools and dematerialisation of flows. By offering a seamless and secure patient pathway, healthcare professionals can considerably reduce their outstanding payments while improving their cash flow.
To find out how Swikly can help you optimise the management of out-of-pocket expenses in your clinic or practice, go to our page dedicated to the medical sector.
