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3 Common Misconceptions Patients Have With Online Payment Processing

An online payment processing system can streamline your medical billing and transform the patient experience for the better. It’s a win-win solution for all. But while you may be all in on accepting payments online, getting patients to make those payments can be a whole other hurdle to cross.

Not all patients are experts in healthcare and tech like you and your team, which means they may be skeptical. The first steps to earning their trust are understanding their concerns and finding a software that inspires confidence.

Here are 3 common misconceptions patients hold about online payments and how PayGround’s integrated payment processing system can help.

Misconception #1: Online Payment Processing Isn’t Secure.

Just about every patient is familiar with the traditional medical billing process: You get a bill in the mail and you send your payment right back. And because it’s familiar, it can feel like the safest bet.

When you move the medical billing and payment process online, patients may hesitate. We hear about data breaches all the time, so how can they be sure their information will stay secure?

Healthcare providers and medical billers handle a large amount of sensitive information — including medical histories, bank account and credit card information, and other personal data — so debunking this misconception is essential.

The Truth: Online Payment Processing Is Safer.

Mail is easy to steal. Reports of mail theft have increased 600% since 2017. Sending out a check may not be as safe as you think, especially compared to secured online data.

While the layers of security behind online payment processors aren’t visible to the naked eye, they’re far stronger and more plentiful than a sealed envelope and mailbox lock. Data is encrypted and algorithms are working behind the scenes to protect patient information from hackers 24/7.

Trusted integrated payment processing platforms like PayGround are fully PCI-compliant, so patients will know their financial data won’t get in the wrong hands.

In fact, PayGround has achieved the top security ratings in the industry. It’s built with the unique security needs of medical practices (and your patients) in mind.

To add another layer of trust, PayGround allows you to build a branded payment page, so your patients never feel like they’re handing their information to a third party.

Misconception #2: Online Payment Processing Systems Are Difficult To Use.

Technology often comes with a learning curve. Think about the first time you used a smartphone, or a time you set up a new laptop. Even as a tech savvy person, you likely had to take some time to learn and adjust.

For some patients, online bill pay can feel like a whole new arena — one that may take too much time to learn or that is too complicated to figure out.

Patients will only adapt to new software if they can be sure it’ll be worth their precious time and effort. If they’re unsure how big the learning curve is, they may avoid it altogether.

The Truth: Online Payment Processors Make Managing Bills Easier.

Online payment processing software is simple to use. Patients simply need to tap on an invoice, fill out their payment details, and submit. After their first payment, patients can continue making secure, one-time payments on the platform. Or, they can securely store their payment information on the platform, so they can pay in just one click.

It makes medical bill payments a lot like purchasing anything on an ecommerce site — an experience that they’re likely familiar with.

PayGround further streamlines bill management by allowing patients to pull up all their invoices and receipts on the same dashboard — even from multiple healthcare providers and for multiple family members.

Patients will no longer have to manage loose papers or thick binders full of records, or miss a payment because of a lost bill. Plus, medical billing becomes more transparent.

Most people actually prefer paying bills online, so an integrated payment processing system can certainly bring ease to patients’ lives.

If patients ever have any issues, PayGround offers high-quality support. Plus, our integrated payment processing platform makes it possible for you to continue accepting payments via phone or check for patients who prefer it.

Misconception #3: Online Payment Processing Comes With Hidden Fees.

One final misconception that patients often hold is that online payment processing systems come stacked with hidden costs. After all, a lot of financial institutions do.

Even the banks we trust seem to sneak in fees anywhere they can, for anything from maintenance to ACH transfers. So how can an integrated payment processing system be any different?

If you want patients to buy in on online payment processing, you need to make sure they know there’ll be no surprises waiting for them on their next credit card statement.

The Truth: Online Payment Processing Is Transparent.

Online payment processing systems make it easier for you to offer greater transparency to your patients. When you send an invoice, they’ll be able to review every charge. Plus, PayGround won’t charge your patients any processing fees on top of what they’re already paying you. They won’t have to pay a premium for convenience, which is a win for them and will be a win for you when you get paid faster.

Since PayGround makes it easier for patients to track their payments, they’ll also be better equipped to avoid overdrafts and declined payments. This means they can also avoid those aforementioned hidden bank fees (as well as any late bill payment costs).

And don’t worry — when you start using PayGround for your medical billing, you won’t be charged any hidden or unnecessary fees. At PayGround, we have no hidden fees up our sleeves. To collect online payments, you’ll only have to pay:

  • 1% for ACH payments
  • 2.89% plus 15 cents for credit card transactions

PayGround offers completely transparent pricing and can provide a customized quote — breaking down every fee — based on your medical practice’s needs.

Ready To Offer an Online Payment Processing System Your Patients Can Trust?

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