Finance and valuation
Patient financing
Patient financing is a loan, credit card or payment plan, offered by the practice or a third party, that lets a patient pay for treatment over time.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that some health care providers offer financing options, including medical credit cards or payment plans that allow payment in installments. It says there are risks and costs with these options and advises patients to ask about financial assistance and what insurance covers before agreeing to a plan. For a dental practice, financing is often discussed after the case presentation and may be handled by a treatment coordinator. The ADA advises discussing financial details in private. A practice should give patients clear written terms and let them compare. Legal questions about lending rules belong with an attorney.