Unless otherwise communicated, when calling a patient about a past due bill, which number should you call first?

When attempting to reach a patient regarding a past due bill, the home number is typically the first point of contact. This is primarily because the home number is often the most reliable and consistent way to reach individuals, as it usually represents their primary residence. People tend to check their home voicemail more routinely and might be more available to take calls at home compared to work or other numbers.

In many cases, patients might not have access to their work phone during business hours, and calling an emergency contact could be inappropriate for a billing inquiry. While calling a cell number might be convenient and yield quicker contact, the home number remains the most traditional and expected approach for sensitive discussions about billing. Thus, unless directed otherwise, starting with the home number aligns with standard practices in patient communication regarding financial matters.