1. EachPod

Ep 4: Collections Without Resentment:How to Manage Patient Balances and AR Follow-Up Without Alienating Patient Relationships

Author
Sara Penrod Baker
Published
Wed 27 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://rss.com/podcasts/thetruthdecaypodcast/2183077

Dentist friends! Collections don’t have to feel like a battlefield — and they don’t have to hurt your patient relationships. (No for real)

If your AR follow-up feels like conflict or avoidance, it’s time for a better system. Like, yesterday.

In this episode of The Truth Decay Podcast: Talking Dollars and Sense, Sara Baker and LaRae McMullen talk about how to manage final patient balances and AR follow-up in a way that protects both your cash flow and your reputation. From financial policies to staff scripts, they’ll walk through how clarity, consistency, and tone can transform your collections process.

Points we discuss include:

  • Why avoidance or aggression both create AR chaos
  • How upfront financial conversations prevent surprise balances
  • Systems for proactive billing and patient AR follow-up
  • Scripts and training to empower staff with confidence
  • Best practices for tone, communication, and escalation

✨ Want to protect both your revenue and your patient relationships?

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgTxAQmtQyU

And hey! Don’t forget to grab our free Collections Communication Script Guide at thetruthdecaypodcast.com

Finally, come visit us at sddentalsolutions.com — questions, thoughts, topics, that you want to hear about, anything. We would love to hear from you!

#truthdecaypodcast #dentalbilling #dentalpodcast #collections #dentistrybusiness #practiceprofits #officemanagerlife #dentalpractice #dentaladmin

Share to: