Balances without awkwardness

Fees answered by policy, payments recorded clearly, and a gentle reminder instead of an uncomfortable call.

Money is the hardest conversation in a clinic. Usually not because the patient does not want to pay, but because nobody wants an awkward moment. Dr Kedar's answer is to take the awkwardness out with policy. When a patient asks what the consultation costs, he is clear about who should reply.

Who should answer? Your staff should answer. You should never answer. The doctor should be always good. — Dr Kedar Bakshi

So the clinic decides its fee policy in advance, trains the staff on it, and gives the same answer every time. When the doctor does talk about fees, he talks honestly. Dr Kedar tells patients that his cost is a little high, that some charge more and some charge less, and what he has invested in his education and his equipment. Then the patient decides. The resistance goes, and the patient also learns that his doctor keeps himself updated.

Clear records, gentle reminders

In Six Figures every payment is recorded against the right treatment, with a receipt. A numbered invoice is one tap away when a patient needs it for his company or insurance. A wrong entry is corrected with a reason, and nothing is erased. The dashboard shows pending balances, the largest first. A payment reminder goes on WhatsApp with the right numbers, in your clinic's name and your own words: a polite note, never a demand. At the year end, your CA gets one Excel file through a free login of his own.

The same respect works for missed appointments. Tell the patient once, kindly, that a broken appointment is a loss for both of you and for other patients too, and ask him to inform the clinic a day before if there is an issue. Say it once, and say it politely.