If a patient OVERPAYS for a service, what is the appropriate action to take?

When a patient overpays for a service, the most appropriate action is to put a credit on the patient's account. This approach acknowledges the overpayment and allows the patient to use that credit toward future services or bills. This method improves customer service by maintaining a positive relationship with the patient while accurately reflecting their balance within the system.

In contrast, creating a refund is also a possible solution but may require additional processing steps and paperwork that could be avoided by simply maintaining a credit. Adjusting the bill might not be applicable if the service was rendered correctly and the charge was valid, while writing it off as a loss would not be suitable since it relieves the patient of their rightful claim to the overpaid amount. Keeping a credit is generally the cleanest and most patient-friendly approach in this situation.