Unpaid dental fees can present a significant financial burden for dental practices across the UK. From patients who fail to settle their bills to healthcare cover falling short of expectations, unresolved debts can impact cash flow and the overall financial health of a dental group.
This case study highlights how Federal Management assisted a prominent dental group in reclaiming 86% of unpaid fees, amounting to £210,000 spread over 63 accounts.
Their expert approach ensured the successful recovery of outstanding dental treatment fees while maintaining the integrity of the dental practice chain’s reputation.
The Client
A well-established dental group in the United Kingdom that approached Federal Management and Frontline Collections for help with recovering unpaid debts from patients who had failed to settle their bills.
The Challenge: Unpaid Dental Treatment Fees Affecting a Leading Dental Group
Despite offering high-quality dental treatments and flexible payment plans, the client was facing mounting unpaid invoice for dental treatments.
The group struggled with cases where:
- Patients had undergone extensive dental treatment but had failed to make payments.
- Health insurance policies did not fully cover the cost of treatment, leaving outstanding balances unpaid.
- Repeated efforts to chase payments through internal administration proved ineffective and time-consuming.
- Unpaid fees were causing a strain on the practice’s financial operations, limiting reinvestment into new technology and services.
- Previously agreed payment schedules had been broken
The dental group recognised the need for professional intervention to recover these unpaid amounts while ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards.
The Solution
Federal Management deployed its specialist dental debt collection team to address the outstanding debts.
Our approach was tailored to ensure the highest recovery rate while maintaining a positive patient-practice relationship.
Tailored Debt Recovery Strategy
Our expert team designed a bespoke debt recovery strategy that included:
- Detailed assessment and case profiling: Assessing each case to determine the best approach for recovery.
- Professional and ethical debt recovery techniques: Adopting a firm yet professional approach that complied with FCA regulations and GDPR.
- Multi-channel communication strategy: Engaging debtors via letters, emails, phone calls, visits and legal avenues where necessary.
- Mediation and negotiation: Encouraging patients to settle debts amicably through structured repayment plans.
- Legal escalation where required: For cases that required legal intervention, we provided appropriate guidance on next steps to ensure compliance and resolution.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Federal Management adheres to strict ethical guidelines and industry best practices, ensuring their debt collection efforts align with:
- The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations.
- The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- The Credit Services Association (CSA) Code of Conduct.
- The Principles of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF).
The Results: High Recovery Rates and Financial Relief
Through their structured and professional approach, Federal Management successfully recovered 86% of the outstanding debts, equating to £210,000 across 63 accounts.
The dental group experienced several key benefits:
- Improved cash flow: The recovered funds enabled the practice to reinvest in advanced dental technology and patient care.
- Reduced administrative burden: The practice’s staff were freed from chasing payments, allowing them to focus on core operations.
- Preserved brand and patient relationships: The diplomatic approach ensured that patients were not alienated, preventing any negative feedback.
- Legal compliance and professionalism: The debt collection process was conducted in a fully compliant and professional manner.
Conclusion
Unpaid dental fees can significantly impact a practice’s financial stability, but with the right debt collection partner, recovery is achievable.
Our specialist debt collection services enabled a leading UK dental group to reclaim a substantial portion of their outstanding fees, demonstrating their effectiveness and professionalism.
If your dental practice is struggling with unpaid invoices, Federal Management offers a results-driven solution to recover your debts efficiently.
Contact us today to discuss how our expert dental debt recovery team can assist you.
