Can a patient who owes money reduce the number of sessions?
Sometimes a patient who owes money will suggest that he or she reduce the number of sessions with the physician in order to reduce the cost. In such instances, the doctor must remain mindful that the standard of care (the care that the patient should receive at a minimum) is determined by the patient’s clinical needs, not by the patient’s finances.
What happens when patients can’t afford to pay their medical bills?
But what happens when patients can’t afford to pay their bills? At nonprofit hospitals, an unpaid bill either becomes bad debt for the patient or is written off as “charity care.” Nationally, this adds up to $57 billion in uncompensated care. But a group of researchers argue that the way charity care is given out could be made more efficient.
What to do if you owe money to your doctor?
Meeting the standard of care. Sometimes a patient who owes money will suggest that he or she reduce the number of sessions with the physician in order to reduce the cost.
What happens if a hospital refuses to pay for unexpected care?
If hospitals don’t agree to pay for unexpected care, employers might push them to do so because absorbing such costs might eat into the firm’s profits.
What is the Boxley concern?
Boxley is worried that the hospital may demand its cut as well before the surgery can be performed. "I'm so angry," Boxley said. "If I need medical care, I should be able to get it without having to afford it up front.". Related: Trump's health secretary pick has long record of service -- to doctors.
What is Tai Boxley's condition?
Tai Boxley needs a hysterectomy. The 34-year-old single mother has uterine prolapse, a condition that occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the uterus weaken, causing severe pain, bleeding and urine leakage.
Can a doctor refuse to pay for a patient's medical bill?
Doctors may refuse to dispense needed care before the payment is made, even as a patient's health hangs in the balance. The strategy leaves patients financially vulnerable, too. Once a charge is on a patient's credit card, they may have trouble contesting a medical bill.
Abstract
This ongoing column is dedicated to providing information to our readers on managing legal risks associated with medical practice. We invite questions from our readers. The answers are provided by PRMS, Inc.
Footnotes
To submit a question, e-mail Elizabeth Klumpp, Executive Editor, moc.mocdemxirtam@ppmulke. Include “Risk Management Column” in the subject line of your e-mail. All chosen questions will be published anonymously. All questions are reviewed by the editors and are selected based upon interest, timeliness, and pertinence, as determined by the editors.
How to avoid client behind on payments?
One of the easiest ways to avoid an awkward situation with a client behind on payments is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Proactively putting payment policies in place will keep invoices current and ensure a steady stream of revenue for your therapy practice.
Why is nonpayment a problem?
Nonpayment presents a unique set of challenges for mental health practices because the therapist-client relationship is founded on mutual trust and respect. When a client fails to pay for services, it creates an uncomfortable dynamic that can undermine the therapeutic relationship.
What to do if you have been ghosted?
If you’ve been ghosted by a former client or have a current one who is genuinely unable to pay back a debt, you may choose to simply forgive it. If you go this route, be sure that the insurer involved does not have policies prohibiting it. Some insurers view forgiving copays or deductibles as a violation of their contract and may view it as fraudulent. If the insurer does allow it, thoroughly document your efforts to recoup the co-pays or deductible before forgiveness. Include a detailed description of the client’s financial hardships that required you to write off the debt.
What does it mean when a client is ghosted?
Being ghosted by a former client who’s behind on payments or learning that a change in a current client’s financial status means they’re no longer able to pay are situations more common than you would imagine. Nonpayment presents a unique set of challenges for mental health practices because the therapist-client relationship is founded on mutual ...
How to reduce debt over time?
1. Work Out a Payment Plan. Creating a payment plan is one option for gradually reducing the size of a debt over time. Work collaboratively with the client to identify an additional amount they could reasonably pay weekly or monthly to begin chipping away at the overdue balance. 2.
Is it better to avoid past due payments?
It’s always better to avoid past due payments entirely . But if you’ve let a client’s overdue invoices grow into significant debt, you can get creative to put them back on track. Here are five options.
Do you have to pay for therapy after the fact?
By incorporating this approach into your therapy practice’s payment policies, you’ll never be in the position of having to pursue payment after the fact.
