Patient balances should be collected either at the point of service or on a set due date, not too late after the appointment. The reason for this is that your practice?s financial health and success depend on it. Collection of patient balances can be made easy if your administrative staff is aware of the financial terminology and can have a difficult conversation regarding the details of the payment such as what the patient is paying exactly, and the due dates for payments. Making the payment process easier is another way to ensure payment of patient balances promptly.