In this replay of one of our popular episodes, I sit down with Andy Cleveland—widely known as the “Dental Accounts Receivable Ninja.” Andy shares how he got his start in the dental field and what led him to specialize in collections. We discuss the often-overlooked world of accounts receivable and the major financial impact it can have on dental practices. From evaluating the overall health of your receivables to pinpointing common mistakes in insurance billing, Andy offers clear, practical advice that every dentist should hear.
We dive into proven strategies for handling patient receivables more effectively, including how to improve payment processes, when to send second statements, and why customizing your communication can significantly boost patient response. Andy emphasizes the power of personalization in billing and when it’s time to escalate your approach, whether that’s through strategic phone calls or outsourcing collections. If you're struggling with 90-day overdue accounts or long-standing balances, you’ll get actionable steps to turn things around.
Lastly, we cover the importance of implementing preventive systems to avoid A/R issues before they start. Andy shares insights on optimizing internal processes to keep your receivables in check, reduce stress for your front office team, and ultimately improve your bottom line. Whether you're actively battling collections or just want to tighten up your systems, this episode is packed with value tailored specifically for dental professionals. Tune in and learn how to take control of your practice’s financial health.
What you'll hear in this episode:
[00:00] Introduction to Andy Cleveland
[01:25] Andy’s Journey into the Dental Field
[03:00] Challenges in Dental Accounts Receivable
[05:25] Evaluating Practice’s Accounts Receivable
[10:05] Common Mistakes in Insurance Receivables
[13:05] Strategies for Patient Receivables
[16:50] Improving Payment Processes
[20:55] Sending Out Second Statements
[21:20] Customizing Statements for Better Response
[23:00] Escalating Communication Strategies
[26:35] Preventive Measures for Better Collections
[34:15] Dealing with Long-Standing Receivables
[39:20] Optimizing Systems for Reduced Receivables
Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygrovercleveland/
Check out the original episode: