In 2026, a medical practice is not only a place of care but also a brand. Patients increasingly act as healthcare consumers, reviewing online ratings before scheduling appointments.
This situation creates “The 5-Star Paradox”: You must collect the revenue owed to sustain your practice, yet a firm collection approach may prompt negative reviews that can harm your reputation long-term.
Solving the 5-Star Paradox While Maintaining Your Reputation
At Gilliam & Mikula, we have demonstrated over forty years that you do not need to choose between financial stability and maintaining your “Best of Virginia” ranking.
The High Price of the Low Cost Agency
Many practices hire low-cost, high-volume collection agencies, which often rely on the following methods:
- Frequent Automated Calls: High-volume, automated calls that patients may perceive as harassment.
- Aggressive Scripting: Call center staff trained to apply pressure rather than uphold professionalism.
- Lack of Legal Oversight: These agencies often operate at the edge of compliance, and any violations can result in legal and reputational consequences for your practice.
When patients feel mistreated by your collection partner, they typically hold the practice responsible. A single negative interaction can turn a loyal patient into a vocal online critic.
Our Legal Edge
As a lawyer-led firm, our approach is fundamentally different. We communicate effectively without resorting to aggressive tactics.
- The Authority of the Letterhead: A formal notice from a Richmond-based law firm carries an authority that generic agencies lack. It signals that the matter is serious and managed within the framework of Virginia law.
- Clarity Over Pressure: We use precise, legally-vetted language to inform patients of their obligations and rights. Clear communication reduces anxiety, which helps prevent negative reviews.
- Professionalism as a Standard: Our team treats every debtor with the same courtesy provided at your front desk. We serve as a neutral, professional third party to resolve financial matters while preserving your clinical relationships.
Protecting the Patient Journey
We believe the patient experience continues until the balance is resolved, not just when the patient leaves your office.
By partnering with Gilliam & Mikula, you ensure that the final interaction a patient has with your practice is managed with the same integrity as the first. We specialize in finding a balanced approach, securing essential funds for your practice while protecting your reputation from the effects of aggressive collection tactics.
You have invested significant effort in building your reputation in the Commonwealth. Allow us to provide the professional, legally supported oversight your revenue cycle requires.
Focus on the Care, We’ll Handle the Rest
Is your current collection strategy putting your brand at risk? Do not jeopardize your 5-star reputation with an automated collection agency. Partner with a Virginia firm that understands the balance between revenue and respect. Fill out the form below to discuss a more professional approach to your practice’s collections… one that maintains your bottom line AND the reputation you’ve earned.
Gilliam & Mikula is centrally located in Richmond, Virginia, and serves clients throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our attorneys have over forty years of combined experience in various practice areas, representing individuals and businesses. We are licensed to practice in all General District Courts and Circuit Courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia including, Central, Tidewater, and Northern Virginia areas.
The attorneys at Gilliam & Mikula are here to smoothly guide you through the “legal maze” and ensure that you achieve the most favorable outcome.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.