Author Topic: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$  (Read 6124 times)

cohenmk

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 29
Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« on: August 27, 2008, 03:32:43 PM »
I have a pt who owes us approx $300 from 2005 (already have sent him to collections). He has a settled WC claim, which is why he owes for his visits. We had dismissed him as a patient, and now he wants his medical records...does anyone know legally if I can hold off on release of these records until he pays his back bill with us?  Thanks for any and all responses.

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2008, 06:37:48 PM »
That is a very good question.  I will try to research it and see what I find out.  In the meantime, if anyone else has an answer please respond!

Thanks
Michele
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

Cady

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 24
Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2008, 10:57:16 PM »
I did not know you can bill a patient for a Workers' Compensation claim.. something else I remember while I was taking my medical billing course is the employer is the one insured. Not the patient. Did you try to talk to the employer and what did they say?

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2008, 12:33:20 AM »
Since the patient settled the claim, the provider can bill the patient.  By settling the claim the patient agreed to be liable for any outstanding bills.

Michele
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

Cady

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 24
Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2008, 01:29:34 AM »
Okay.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2008, 01:29:34 AM »

cohenmk

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 29
Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2008, 03:09:12 PM »
Yes, Michele is correct. once a WC case is settled, the patient then becomes responsible. Now if he has private insurance, we would bill his Insurance Carrier; however, in this case he then became self pay because he had settled, and has no other private insurance.  But I am just uncertain, legally, if we can hold his medical records until his balance is paid in full.  Anyone knowing this answer...I would greatly appreciate it. Mary Kaye

Michele

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5927
    • Solutions Medical Billing
Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #6 on: August 29, 2008, 10:34:49 AM »
What I am finding out is that the law regarding this varies from state to state.  Here in NY you cannot withhold medical records if a patient owes you money.  But you do not have to give him the originals, you can make copies and charge him for the copies.  You can also take your sweet time getting the copies for him.  One of my providers sends out a letter advising the patient that they will send the copies of the records but that the pt has an outstanding balance.  Also advising the patient the cost for the copying of the records and that the records will not be done until the cost is paid.

If you are in another state you should check the laws for your state.  Try asking another dr in your area.

It seems wrong that they can get away without paying but you still have to follow the laws!   >:(

Michele
Sign Up for our FREE Medical Billing Newsletter
Get a 10% discount on Medical Billing Products by using Coupon Code: 10OFF
http://www.solutions-medical-billing.com

Ginger

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2008, 09:58:28 AM »
I have a pt who owes us approx $300 from 2005 (already have sent him to collections). He has a settled WC claim, which is why he owes for his visits. We had dismissed him as a patient, and now he wants his medical records...does anyone know legally if I can hold off on release of these records until he pays his back bill with us?  Thanks for any and all responses.


Before I can answer this question, I have a question. Did you or the collection agency you had working this account
get a letter of protection for the balance due?

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Medical Records for Pt who Owes $$$
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2008, 09:58:28 AM »