How to improve office collection in a bariatric practice.

Office collections have always been under-valued in bariatric surgery because the money received is less than monies received from surgery. Co-payment must be obtained prior to the patient's evaluation, which will bring office collection to 99%. Such collections will cover costs and office charges. Virtually any consultation regarding bariatric surgery is high complexity, and should be charged as such. Morbidly obese patients usually have multiple disorders, each of which must be evaluated and taken into consideration. High cost is involved in operating a bariatric clinic; therefore, it is important to perform an accurate and detailed office analysis and collections for the economics of the practice. These profits will allow for needed personnel to be hired, covering the costs, and avoiding loss of income and time due to unwarranted cancellations.