Ep 19: Estimates with Empathy - Collecting Co-Pays with Confidence

You know that $25 co-pay you didn’t collect? "Aaaaah, it's okay... we'll just bill you. No big deal!"We hate to tell you, but it is actually kind of a big deal. (sorryyyyyy)Because let's be real, it's probably not just one that you didn't collect — it’s a whole bunch. Amirite?Trust us: do that a few dozen times a week, and suddenly you’re working full throttle… but still can’t make payroll.In this episode of The Truth Decay Podcast, Sara Baker and LaRae McMullen go full real-talk on a problem hiding in plain sight: uncollected patient portions.They’ll show you how to identify the cracks in your collections system, how to stop “chasing” balances, and exactly what your team needs to say, sign, and show to get paid upfront—without sounding like a debt collector.You’ll learn:How one uncollected co-pay can spiral into chaosThe key signs your billing system is too “reactive”20 practical steps for presenting & collecting estimates the right wayScripts and language that reduce pushbackWhy vague estimates kill trust, retention, and revenueHow to turn financial conversations into normal conversationsWhat your front desk should say before treatment starts — not afterIf your AR is creeping up, your team is tired of playing collections cop, or you’re ready to stop writing off balances just to avoid a hard convo — this is your fix.🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLZsweBGuOs📥 Download your free resource: • “Estimated Patient Portion Collection Playbook - 20 Steps to Collecting Co-Pays with Confidence" → thetruthdecaypodcast.com 📩 Have a question? Email us at [email protected] 🌐 Learn more at sddentalsolutions.com#SDDentalSolutions #DentalBilling #Dental #Dentistry #RevenueCycleManagement #DentalPracticeManagement #InsuranceVerification #DentalInsurance #ARManagement #PracticeGrowth #DentalOfficeSuccess #ClaimManagement #PrivatePracticeLife #BillingSolutions