Accounts receivable (A/R) management focuses on unpaid balances and the workflow used to resolve them. A structured process helps practices identify aging accounts, prioritize follow-up, document actions, and understand where payment delays occur.
1. Segment A/R by Age
Review balances by aging category so older and time-sensitive accounts receive appropriate attention. The exact aging buckets should match the practice’s reporting system and workflow.
2. Separate Payer and Patient A/R
Payer balances and patient balances often require different workflows. Segmenting them helps the team apply the appropriate follow-up process and reporting.
3. Prioritize High-Value and Time-Sensitive Accounts
Prioritization can consider balance size, age, payer requirements, filing deadlines, appeal deadlines, claim status, and the likelihood that additional action can resolve the account.
4. Work Unpaid Claims Systematically
Check claim status.
Identify rejected or denied claims.
Review payer correspondence.
Correct claim issues when appropriate.
Submit required documentation or appeals.
Document every follow-up action.
5. Review Patient Balances
Patient balances should be reviewed according to the practice’s billing policies, payer processing, statements, payment options, and applicable requirements. Keep patient-facing processes separate from payer claim follow-up where appropriate.
6. Track A/R Performance
Use agreed reporting to monitor aging, unpaid balances, follow-up activity, payment trends, and other relevant indicators. Trends are more useful when reviewed consistently over time.
