Patient statement design is no longer a black and white issue. Thanks to digital technology, healthcare providers can print on demand and in full color. This means that statements can become true communication pieces with vibrant, colorful designs to enhance and clarify key messages.
In the realm of patient financial communications, statements are very important. Unfortunately without the correct design and strategic use of color, patient statements can come across as cold and impersonal. However, by incorporating color into statements, providers are able to insert a more positive, helpful tone within patient statements for better results.
Of course, color is essential in creating statements that are true to an organization’s brand since this adds life to the organization’s logo and helps the recipient quickly identify the sender. Nonetheless, the art of using color effectively goes beyond basic principles of branding. Color can be added strategically throughout statements as devices to get attention, prioritize content and denote urgency.
Consider the power color holds for these three areas of your patient statements.
Amount Due
Call out the total that is owed with color. This number can often blend in with other information. Punctuate the amount due visually to make it abundantly clear to recipients.
Automated Self-Service Contact Information
Drive more patients to use online resources that don’t overextend your staffing needs by highlighting the payment portal web address and the telephone number to your automated pay-by-phone service with color. Make sure the use of color strongly differentiates this key information for quick reference.
Date Due
Leave no question about when payment is expected. By applying color to the area denoting due date, providers guide patients to be aware of essential information.
To apply color to these key areas, think inside the lines. Boxes that surrounded key information may be filled with color to make the entire area more prominent. Likewise, the information itself may be printed in a different color, further enhancing it in context of the entire statement.
Make color choices based on importance and urgency of information. For example, the use of red can be especially effective when reserved for past due alerts on aging account statements. Yellow is known for drawing the eye, as are reverse colors (dark background color with a lighter text). The key is to use color strategically so that recipients are compelled to see the essential information, even at a quick glance.
The ultimate goal in patient statement design is to colorfully inspire more prompt payments and accelerate the collections process. If you would like to discuss how Emdeon ExpressBill Services can improve your statement design, printing and mailing, please call 877.EMDEON.6 (877.363.3666) for more information.
Read More >>
Patient Statement Design: Think Outside the Box by Coloring Within the Lines
