Medical Billing Forum

General Category => General Questions => : bumbleb July 02, 2010, 04:35:23 PM

: Charging for WC records?
: bumbleb July 02, 2010, 04:35:23 PM
We just got a request for medical records for a patient from a WC lawyer.  Can I charge him for this?

I know I can usually charge lawyers in auto liability cases, but this is the first time I've dealt with a comp lawyer.  I'm in NC.

Thanks!
: Re: Charging for WC records?
: DMK July 02, 2010, 09:14:24 PM
You can absolutely charge for this.  They can also send someone to copy records, but you still get $15.00 just to pull the file (at least you do in California).  As a courtesy, you may want to call the attorney's office and let them know what the charge will be and maybe even fax them a bill with an agreement to pay for the copies in advance, you need a leg to stand on in case they decide not to pay for the requested records.
: Re: Charging for WC records?
: Pay_My_Claims July 02, 2010, 09:52:03 PM
yes most do charge, but if not mistaken there is a state mandated limit on how much you can charge
: Re: Charging for WC records?
: bumbleb July 03, 2010, 11:32:31 AM
Thanks -- I'll bill him.  I do know NC allows a lot less than some other states, as far as the rates go. 
: Re: Charging for WC records?
: Pay_My_Claims July 03, 2010, 02:07:03 PM
i'm in nc too
: Re: Charging for WC records?
: bumbleb July 05, 2010, 11:39:58 AM
Hey Charlene -

What part of the state?  I lived in the eastern part for several years, and am in the western part now.  Beautiful mountains!
bren
: Re: Charging for WC records?
: Pay_My_Claims July 05, 2010, 01:58:37 PM
Raleigh NC. Not too keen on the mountains except to look at their beauty. I'm a country girl :-0
: Re: Charging for WC records?
: PMRNC July 05, 2010, 04:18:08 PM
Before doing this you always want to check with the office's policies and procedures, Those should be things/guidelines that are already in their P&P to where you just need to look it up.
You shouldn't arbitrarily create a fee without first seeing what the office has already established.