Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
To add SoundChoice as your practice's Low Monthly Payment plan, just call 800-246-6486, or you can complete our online Participating Professional Agreement. A representative will contact you to complete your enrollment process. You can also download this application and agreement, then fax it along with a cancelled business check to SoundChoice at 1-866-856-3975.
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How does my practice get paid?
In two business days, your fees are electronically deposited into your practice's bank account. Processing fees are reconciled once a month.
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Is SoundChoice easy for my practice to use?
Yes. We take care of the billing and collecting so valuable time can be better spent on other important responsibilities such as patient care and developing patient relationships. We provide the office staff with training, all the marketing tools needed to present the program to your patients, and all the materials to quickly and efficiently process applications.
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What if my patients don't pay their bills?
SoundChoice is a non-recourse program, so if your patients delay payment or default, it's not your responsibility and you are not charged or penalized.
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Is SoundChoice widely used?
Hearing Healthcare providers have long been offering SoundChoice, offered exclusively through CareCredit's Audiology division and backed by GE Capital. In fact, more than 45,000 practices nationwide use CareCredit for elective healthcare financing.
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How do I know if my patients will want the SoundChoice / CareCredit program?
Be proactive, promote Low Monthly Payments and ask them—some patients may be too embarrassed to ask if financing is available. The biggest obstacle to treatment acceptance is often affordability, so patients value the flexibility of low monthly payments, no down payment, and no annual fees. Plus, it can be used as needed for additional treatments and other family members, up to their credit limit.
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Do I need to purchase special equipment for this program?
No—unlike other programs that may require special equipment, you will receive a transaction terminal at no charge – for a limited time only – that can be used for both credit cards and processing patient financing transactions.
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Why should I offer patient financing if I already accept major credit cards?
Practices that offer patient financing packages average over 75% more revenue per transaction over cash and credit card transactions. When financing options are available, patients usually choose more comprehensive treatments, because they can spread payments out over time. The payment plan options offered by the SoundChoice program have been designed to increase sales and generate first time purchases. Plus, having a separate credit line for health care expenses allows patients to keep other credit available for personal use.
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How do my patients apply for SoundChoice?
Simply have the patient complete a brief application. Or, your practice can use Pre-Approval to know in advance if your patients will be approved for SoundChoice before the financial discussion of a treatment plan or their appointment for treatment.
Then, your office staff sends in the necessary information via phone, fax, or by using the online application to our credit center, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Within minutes, or seconds if using the online application, a line of credit is granted to qualified applicants. Your office staff can then process charges to the patient's account immediately. It's that simple.
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Is SoundChoice HIPAA compliant?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") became effective in April 2003 and protects private information that your patients share with you and any "Business Associate" of yours. You are not required to have a Business Associate contract with SoundChoice because the patient financing program typically does not include the exchange of patient health related information. SoundChoice does take steps to ensure that any information about your patients is protected and used only for the purposes of the SoundChoice program.
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What support does SoundChoice provide?
When you enroll in SoundChoice, your office receives the best support in hearing care patient financing. SoundChoice provides your staff members with a personalized orientation, which includes tips on how to present financial options to patients and helpful presentation tools. Your practice also receives all the ongoing supplies needed, free of charge.
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