Best Practices for a Veterinarian to Handle Past Due Debt
Wondering how to collect past due vet bills without damaging client relationships? These best practices can help.
Five Best Practices to Follow
- Be proactive. Don’t wait for the debt to become delinquent before you take action. Send a reminder to the client as soon as the bill is due.
- Be polite and professional. Even if you’re frustrated, stay polite and professional when dealing with clients who owe money. Remember, they may be going through a difficult time.
- Be flexible. Some clients may be able to pay the debt in installments. Be willing to work with them to find a payment plan that works for both of you.
- Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t hear back from the client right away. Keep trying to reach them until you get the debt paid.
- Consider using a debt collection agency. If you’ve tried everything else, a debt collection agency can help you collect the debt.
Beyond these core steps, a few additional habits make a real difference in how to collect past due vet bills consistently.
Additional Tips for Handling Past Due Debt
- Document everything. Keep a record of all communications with the client, including the date, time, and content of the conversation.
- Know your rights. As a veterinarian, you have certain rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) when it comes to collecting debt. Understand them so you can protect yourself.
- Get help if you need it. If you’re not comfortable handling past due debt yourself, resources are available. Your state veterinary medical association may have a debt collection specialist who can help.
By following these best practices, you can increase your chances of collecting past due debt and protect your veterinary practice.
Additional Resources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The AVMA offers resources to help veterinarians with debt collection, including a guide on how to collect unpaid bills and a list of debt collection agencies.
- National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA): NAVTA also offers resources to help veterinarians with debt collection, including a guide on how to collect unpaid bills.
- Your state veterinary medical association: Many state VMAs offer resources, referrals, and guidance specific to veterinary debt collection.
New World Collections has been helping veterinary practices in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio recover past-due debt since 1997. Contact us to learn how we can help your practice.
