Payments > Patient Billing

"firing" patients

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MJ:
We have the standard billing practice for patient billing of three billing cycles, the second with a reminder notice and the third with notice that if not responded to we will send to collection.

The problem we are having is that after sending patients to collection, it would seem appropriate that they are not seen in our clinics anymore until they set up a payment plan with the collection agency.  We send out a certified letter letting the patient know that we will provide them with emergency care for the next 30 days, but they need to find a new provider.  Problem is ... our providers don't support us the billing department.  They are worried that there could be some legal ramification of neglect and could be sued.

I know most medical practices fire patients.  Any suggestions on how the billing department might be able to facilitate this process and get these dead beats off our books?

Pay_My_Claims:
i suggest finding out your legal grounds prior to having such a policy. I PERSONALLy would leave if I had received a letter like that. Emergency services for 30 days....screw the MD!!

What amounts are you speaking of? Is it the deductible??? Why not do up front collections??

PMRNC:
You have to check your state laws. Also If I were you I would NOT provide this service because as you have stated there could be serious legal ramifications. Leave the ultimate decision to the provider on the actions taken for accounts in collection. That really is a clinical / provider issue and should NOT be handled by the billing department at all. If it were me I would merely do my part and leave the practice to continue as they see fit with my recommendation they seek legal advice on dismissal of a patient in their state, there are very specific standards set for this.

Pay_My_Claims:

--- Quote from: PMRNC on November 11, 2009, 03:52:01 PM ---You have to check your state laws. Also If I were you I would NOT provide this service because as you have stated there could be serious legal ramifications. Leave the ultimate decision to the provider on the actions taken for accounts in collection. That really is a clinical / provider issue and should NOT be handled by the billing department at all. If it were me I would merely do my part and leave the practice to continue as they see fit with my recommendation they seek legal advice on dismissal of a patient in their state, there are very specific standards set for this.

--- End quote ---

I agree with you. Also dropping a medical client after 90 days is tacky to me.

PMRNC:
I don't think it's tacky if the patient is delinquent and as long as the rules/laws are followed. Doctors are in business too. If you didn't pay your mortgage in 90 days you would be sent a letter and quite possibly an ACT 91 which is just about the same thing (one step before foreclosure)

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