I’ve said it repeatedly and it’s true. It is much, much better to send invoices electronically.
It’s easier, more accurate and quicker. Further still, most insurance companies demand you invoice electronically.
So why a blog article, suggesting sometimes you MUST raise a paper invoice instead?
Because of self-funding patients.
I spend many hours ensuring a new client’s invoices are sent electronically because for most consultants insured patients remain the major source of income.
Self-funding patients require a paper invoice though.
In fairness, practically all medical practice software packages do have the option to raise paper invoices.
That said a surprisingly large number of consultants try to invoice self-funding patients electronically i.e. by emailing the patient.
I’ve tried this many times and on the majority of occasions have to call the patient regarding the unpaid invoice only to be told the invoice never arrived.
Most likely this is because junk mail checkers do their job and decree my email to be junk.
Therefore I have to post a copy of the invoice anyway.
In the case of self-funding patients do not try to send an electronic invoice to them.
How many of you have tried to email invoices to patients and found it problematic though?
pete@medicalhealthcaremanagement.co.uk