Author Topic: Running a credi card  (Read 3250 times)

Ruthie1972

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Running a credi card
« on: December 13, 2016, 05:20:32 PM »
Hello
There is a dispute going on about running a credit card twice in the same day for different charges. For example, I had a patient  call the other day that has charge and her husband has a charge, but two different account numbers. My bookkeeper will not run the credit card for the two charges on the same day because she says this is considered fraud. How can it be fraud if there are two patients, two different account numbers even though it is the same credit card number? Please tell me if I am incorrect. Thank you.

kristin

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2016, 09:47:54 PM »
I have patients pay for their statements, and their families statements at the same time, on the same card, quite often. Heck, my husband and I have the same dentist and family doctor, and we usually go together, so we get two separate bills, or we are both on one bill, and I will call with my credit card and pay both bills at the same time. So long as the person paying is the cardholder, how is this fraud? I think your bookkeeper may be mistaken.

EDITED TO ADD:
Does she also consider it fraud if a husband and wife come in together, and they each have a copay, and ask that one card be run for both co-pays?
« Last Edit: December 13, 2016, 10:03:02 PM by kristin »

Ruthie1972

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2016, 08:33:41 AM »
Exactly...I honestly do not understand this at all....thank you so much for you reply

Michele

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2016, 10:49:40 AM »
I agree.  I think she is mistaken as well.  I have seen patients pay a bill with two separate credit cards, 1/2 on one, and 1/2 on another.  I have seen patients use one credit card to pay more than one patient copay, like Kristin mentioned.  The charges are the charges, how they pay for them doesn't make the charges fraudulent.  I wonder where she got that idea.
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Ruthie1972

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2016, 11:25:02 AM »
HI Michelle
I honestly do not know. Thank you for letting me know you thoughts as well. Have a good day.

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2016, 11:25:02 AM »

PMRNC

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2016, 07:39:32 PM »
It wouldn't be fraud but what she might be thinking about is that some credit card companies will put a hold on one or more charges on same day to same place.. My credit card company does that all the time and it's a pain in the butt...but I also understand they are trying to avoid credit card fraud and sometimes cards are mistakenly run twice.
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kristin

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2016, 11:30:48 PM »
One more thing to consider here, Ruthie...I don't know if you work in the provider's office, or run a billing company. But if I were that patient, and was told that I couldn't pay for two separate accounts on one credit card, I would be looking for a new doctor, because I wouldn't be happy dealing with a provider/their billing company that did business like that. The bookkeeper is potentially a liability for business, and needs to be educated or replaced, depending on the situation. I know that sounds harsh, and I don't intend it to sound that way...but the reality is patients/consumers are very savvy, and when they hear something they know is BS, they will take their business elsewhere.


PMRNC

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #7 on: December 15, 2016, 12:09:48 AM »
Quote
One more thing to consider here, Ruthie...I don't know if you work in the provider's office, or run a billing company. But if I were that patient, and was told that I couldn't pay for two separate accounts on one credit card, I would be looking for a new doctor, because I wouldn't be happy dealing with a provider/their billing company that did business like that. The bookkeeper is potentially a liability for business, and needs to be educated or replaced, depending on the situation. I know that sounds harsh, and I don't intend it to sound that way...but the reality is patients/consumers are very savvy, and when they hear something they know is BS, they will take their business elsewhere.

Seriously??? sometimes the credit card company's are the ones to blame.. would you serioulsy consider a NEW doctor simply because of this?? I'd hope  not.. I'd hope that people choose their physicians based on MUCH more valid information than this!!!
Linda Walker
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kristin

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2016, 01:41:03 AM »
Yes, if I know an office or billing company is telling me something that I know is bogus, I will switch providers. In this example in the thread, I know that if I call to pay by credit card and I am told they can only run my card to pay for one account, I am done with them, because I know it can be done, and they either don't know that, or just won't do it.  It doesn't matter to me if the charges will be held, I am fine with that. They will clear. I am not looking at it from the credit card companies perspective, I understand why they do what they do. But I expect the office/billing company that I am calling to pay my bill to be honest about why I can't pay two bills at once, as opposed to saying it is fraud, when it is not. If they are mistaken about that, what else are they mistaken about? I am not saying that Ruthie has a problem beyond the bookkeeper not knowing what is what, but that it should be investigated, and dealt with if necessary.

In my area, I have had to deal with offices who charge consultations to insurance when there wasn't one done, charge visits within a global period incorrectly, do not send statements and call me to say I haven't paid my bill, and bill me for things that weren't patient responsibility, etc.  All of this is unacceptable to me, and has made me very picky about which doctors I see.


Michele

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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2016, 02:22:09 PM »
I would be scratching my head if I was told I couldn't use my credit card twice.  I've gone into stores and used it to check out, realized I forgot something and immediately used the same card to purchase something else.  I left my GYN because of his front desk staff.  Absolutely LOVED my doctor, just couldn't deal with the staff anymore. 
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Re: Running a credi card
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2016, 02:22:09 PM »