Credit Card Pre-Authorization: How (and Why) to use it in Urgent Care

Urgent care operators should look to credit card pre-authorization as a way to protect the bottom line revenue at their center.

Here’s why: The average health insurance deductible for a U.S. worker has skyrocketed from $584 in 2006 to $1,217 in 2014. That means more consumers are paying for healthcare out of pocket, but nearly half – 43% – of Americans insured through their employer to say they can’t afford their deductible.

Here are the benefits of implementing this process:

• Improved patient satisfaction
• Faster collections
• Reduced delinquent patient accounts

Credit card pre-authorization will streamline numerous processes in your urgent care center, if implemented correctly. Make sure you have a practice management system that supports the functionality, train front office staff on the process, and communicate effectively with patients.