Payment processing for medical, dental, and healthcare practices

Yes. For most medical, dental and vision practices, HSA and FSA cards run like regular debit cards, as long as your account is set up under a healthcare business category.

If those cards keep declining at your front desk, the category on your account is the first thing to check.

Yes, with the patient's written consent. The card is stored securely by the payment system, never in the chart, on paper or in an email.

Card on file is useful when insurance pays weeks later and a small balance is left. Tell patients when and how much you will charge, and send a receipt every time.

In some cases, but think hard about it. Debit cards can't be surcharged, and most HSA and FSA cards are debit cards, so a fee would only apply to some patients.

Many practices decide the goodwill is worth more than the fee. If you want to look at it, the California rules are in the guide below.

• California surcharging and dual pricing rules

Yes. A virtual terminal lets your staff key in a card from the front desk computer, or you can text the patient a secure payment link so nobody reads card numbers aloud.

Links are the safer choice, and when payments connect to your practice software they post to the right patient on their own.

• Online payments and invoices