Sorry Linda! I can tell this is one of your pet peeves! I didn't mean to get you all riled up. I was assuming (which as I type it I realize I shouldn't assume) that good faith effort was made, but then the patient contacted the office claiming a financial hardship, and what specific documentation would be required to remain compliant. Not to give them a life time pass. Anyway the info you gave is great and I'm sure that will help.
I am looking for a written summary by Medicare on their guidelines for writing off patient copays and deductibles. I found your article but know the doctor is going to want it right out of the Medicare guide. I looked through a couple of websites but cannot find the documentation I am looking for. Any ideas where I find it?
I'm no accountant either and I don't have any misconceptions that I am, but I was once told by a lawyer that they cannot write it off. I'm desperately searching my brain for the explanation he gave me....but I'm afraid it's too late at night, and I've seem one too many children's program tonight! I think he said that it was because it was not money lost since it was never collected??? Does that make sense? All I remember for sure is the answer was no. But I bet you ask a different lawyer, or accountant and you could get a different answer!Michele