Collecting payments from patients is a constant challenge for many independent practices. And issues like high deductibles, complex billing procedures, and insurance regulations can all contribute to and compound delays in patient payments. 

But research shows that digital platforms and automation play a vital role in streamlining the payment process. And practices that work to make the payment process as convenient and easy as possible can benefit. For example, according to Tebra research, 66% of patients reported that having the option to pay online or on their phone would make them pay “more quickly.”

As an independent practice, or medical billing company serving independent practices, there are ways to facilitate payments in alignment with modern consumer expectations. Patients today are accustomed to having quick and convenient payment options when they shop online or use mobile banking. And they’re more likely to pay healthcare providers quickly if the payment process is straightforward and accessible on a digital platform they recognize.

Implementing digital payment solutions and automated processes allows practices to provide patients with the ease and convenience they’ve come to expect — helping improve the patient experience. Below are ways to make the billing experience more straightforward and user-friendly — with the goal of encouraging faster patient payments.

Traditional paper-based billing methods can be slow and inconvenient, leading to delays in payment. A “modern and digital” approach means updating traditional methods while also embracing multiple online payment pathways and options. This approach can make the payment process easier and less confusing for patients. 

Practices can modernize traditional patient billing by:

Embracing a full spectrum of digital tools helps practices quickly collect patient payments and be more patient-centered. And, in a competitive healthcare landscape, practices that invest in tools that aid billing transparency and patient convenience can foster customer loyalty and attract new business.

Digital communication can be an effective way to remind patients of outstanding balances without being intrusive. Text and email reminders also provide patients with a direct link to enter payment, simplifying the workload involved in traditional billing.

Here are best practices for digital reminders:

Automated reminders, sent via email and text messages, also help practices and patients stay connected and provide a quick and convenient way for patients to communicate about billing questions or concerns.

According to Tebra’s 2025 Patient perspectives survey, 65% of patients say they would switch doctors for a better overall digital experience — including a smooth billing and payment process. And practices that adopt a two-pronged approach to automate and streamline their payment processes can provide patients with the convenience they expect. An approach that makes payment processing efficient and reduces administrative costs will also support healthy profit margins as a practice grows.

Independent practices that modernize and streamline the billing experience will see a direct impact on the speed of patient collections. Creating user-friendly statements, providing digital payment options, and sending timely reminders can enhance cash flow while fostering patient satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.

Tebra’s intuitive, purpose-built billing solution helps billing companies transform payment collections for independent practices. Comprehensive and efficient, our software streamlines patient communication, simplifies billing statements, and enables easy digital payment options. To explore Tebra’s powerful automations and other valuable features, take our tour or schedule a product demo.