Hiring a Medical Collection Agency near you has no benefits.
A debt collector does not personally go to collect money from your patients, therefore it is immaterial if a patient receives Collection Calls or Letters that have originated from your city or somewhere from California or New Jersey.
In fact, if you are limiting your search to a Collection Agency located near you, most likely you are missing out on hiring a Collection Agency that could have recovered a lot more money from your patients.
When hiring local services like a plumber or cleaner, location matters. But do you know where your phone or bank calls come from? With debt collection, the agency’s location is irrelevant.
Medical collections require a deep understanding of the doctor-patient relationship. Collections should be handled diplomatically to preserve this bond. Ensure your collection agency is licensed in your state and has both English and Spanish-speaking collectors.
If legal action is needed, most agencies have a nationwide network of lawyers. Contingency fees vary based on the case’s complexity. Agencies must also follow federal laws like FDCPA, FCRA, TCPA, and HIPAA.
In addition to a high recovery rate, check if the agency offers a secure online portal for managing accounts and stopping collections when payments are made. Ask if their call centers are in the U.S. and how they protect patient data with third-party security certifications.
Searching for a “Medical Collection Agency near me” might not get you the best. Look for agencies that offer effective, low-cost demand letters for accounts under 120 days past due, usually around $15 per account.
Medical collections are more vulnerable to lawsuits, so the agency should perform a Litigious Patient check and be fully insured to protect both themselves and your practice.
Transferring accounts to collections is recommended if bills are unpaid after 60-90 days. Most agencies won’t report to credit bureaus until a year has passed due to legal regulations.