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- 1). Draft a demand letter to your patient. In the demand letter set forth the total amount owed to you. A wise course is to attach a copy of the patient's account statement to the demand letter.
- 2). Insert in the letter the legally required disclaimers required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. This includes the notification that the patient has 30 days to request verification of the debt. Language also needs to be included in the letter that the communication is sent to collect a debt and any information obtained from the patient can be used for that purpose.
- 3). Deliver the demand letter to the patient. You need to obtain verification of delivery. Therefore, the best course is to have the demand letter delivered to the patient in person (with the patient signing for it) or via United States Mail, first class postage pre-paid and return receipt requested.
- 4). Commence a small claims or civil action against the patient if no payment or payment arrangement is made with you. You determine whether the case is brought in small claims or civil court depending on the amount of money the patient owes. Each state has a different "cut-off" for small claims cases, with many jurisdictions drawing the line at $5,000.
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