Q: Patient stopped coming for care and owes $300. I would like to collect but she doesnžt respond even after we sent her a number of letters. It is coming to the end of the year, how can I send her to collection as well as not abandon her. A: Write a letter like this: Dear Mrs. Smith, Your last visit to our office was on March 29, 2002. As you are aware, there is a $300 outstanding balance for our services rendered. Although, we have attempted to contact you a number of times, there has been no response from you. Since you have made no attempt to pay or contact us, I assume you have no attention to pay. We are unable to hold an outstanding balance for an extended time, and at the request of our accountant, we will be sending your balance to a collection attorney for their professional service on January 5, 2003. Please be aware that you will also be responsible for their professional fees, and it may also be recorded with the three credit agencies. Obviously, we hope to avoid this. Enclosed, please find a self addressed and stamped billing envelope for your payment in full. If you are unable to pay this balance in full, we will allow it to be paid with three monthly installments of $100 each concluding on March 15, 2003. To avoid this balance being sent to collection, you must call to discuss this matter, and provide a credit card number for these three payments or other methods of payment. Our priority is to assist our patients with decreased pain and increased wellness. If you need a chiropractic or medical specialist referral closer to your work or home, I would be pleased to assist you. Obviously, you are welcomed here. I hope you will contact us by January 5, 2003, to avoid your balance being sent to a collection service. Sincerely, DC Cc: Regular and Return Receipt mail