NPR feels physician pain in segment on debt collection

A segment on National Public Radio's Morning Edition digs into the challenges physicians are experiencing as co-pays and deductibles continue to rise. Physician practices saw their bad debt increase 14 percent between 2008 and 2012, according to data from the Medical Group Management Association. Traditionally, medical practices have waited 180 days before sending a bill to a collection agency, but now MGMA principal consultant Ken Hertz advises practices to wait no longer than six to eight weeks before sending accounts to collection. Some of the tactics practices are using are explored.