Extra Info
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      Mailing Address Updates with NCOA (National Change of Address)

      Before we mail patient bills, we check the USPS database if any patient's updated their mailing address, and update it if needed.

      Background


      • When we receive your patient statement file, we put the patient mailing address you supply on the invoice PDF before mailing.  
      • Before we mail the invoice PDF, we check the address in the NCOA (National Change of Address) database from the US Postal Service (USPS). 
      • If USPS reports that the patient has moved, and that the patient requested that all mail be forwarded to a new address, then we overwrite the old address on the PDF, with the new address supplied by the USPS.
      • We print and mail with the new address. 
      • Usually, this speeds up mail delivery.
      • Sometimes, the new address is undeliverable and the mail is returned to you.
        • The returned mail may have the new address printed on it, instead of the old address we received from you.
        • The reason for the return might be written on a yellow USPS sticker stuck to the outside of the envelope.
        • The return might be caused because the patient has an old change of address on file with USPS.  You can request the patient to contact USPS to update their NCOA details.

      Turning NCOA on or off

      • By default, the NCOA check is ON for all your patients.  It is a free service we provide.  Turning it off/on does not affect your cost.
      • Request NCOA to be OFF by emailing support@arproactive.com. 
        • After it's off we will use the original address you upload to us in the statement file, and not update it with the NCOA new address.
        • Do this in a situation where you're getting a lot of returned mail due to outdated NCOA records, and you cannot contact those patients to request them to update their NCOA records with the USPS.
        • NCOA can only be turned on or off for all patients.  It cannot be done for individual patients.

      NCOA Reports

      • By default, we do not provide a report of the NCOA changed addresses.  Since we provide the updated addresses automatically. 
      • If you'd like a one-time report please contact us.
      • If you'd like to receive NCOA reports for every mailing job (not usually needed) please contact us.