Payment Methods: How to Charge a Patient

In Practice by Numbers, charging a patient or requesting a payment can be accomplished in several ways. Below are the methods and the detailed functionalities available on the payment pages.

Accessing the Charge/Request Payment Page

Method 1: Payments Button

1. Locate the Payments Button: The Payments button is on the bottom left-hand side of every PbN page.
2. Open Charge/Request Payment Page: Clicking this button will open the Charge/Request Payment page, where you can search for the patient.

Method 2: Patient Window

1. Open Patient Window: Navigate to the patient's profile.
2. Access Payment Options: Click on the three dots next to the patient avatar.
3. Select Charge or Request Payment: Select either Charge or Request Payment at the top of the page. 

Method 3: Payment Page Actions

1. Navigate to Payment Page: From the main menu, open the Payment page.
2. Select Payment Method: Click the credit card icon under Actions to initiate the payment process for the patient.

Functionalities Available on the Payment Pages

1. Charge Now Tab

• Patient Selection: You can search and select the patient you want to charge.
• Pending Balance or Custom Amount: Choose to charge the patient's pending balance or enter the amount to be requested.
• Payment Method: Choose the preferred payment method (Point of Sale or Credit/Debit Card).
• Surcharge Options: Option to add a surcharge fee to the customer.
• Charges Overview: Displays the breakdown of charges, including any surcharges.

Note: Point of Sale option coming soon!

2. Request Payment Tab

• Patient Selection: Similar to the Charge Now tab, you can search and select the patient.
• Pending Balance or Custom Amount: Choose to charge the patient's pending balance or enter the amount to be requested. 
• Custom Note: Add a custom note to provide additional information regarding the payment request.
• Upload Statement: Option to upload a statement related to the payment request.
• Communication Options: Choose how to notify the patient (Send Email, Send Text).
• Follow-ups: Option to add the payment request to follow-ups for tracking.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Charging a Patient Directly

• Step 1: Click the Payments button on the bottom left-hand side.
• Step 2: Search for the patient and select Charge Now.
• Step 3: Enter the charge amount, select the payment method, and decide whether to add a surcharge.
• Step 4: Review the charges overview and click Initiate Payment.

Scenario 2: Requesting Payment from a Patient

• Step 1: Open the patient window and select Request Payment.
• Step 2: Enter the amount to be requested and add a custom note if necessary.
• Step 3: Upload any related statements and choose to notify the patient via email or text.
• Step 4: Click Request Payment to send the notification to the patient.