what is the legal way to offer discounts to a patient balance due if they want to pay acct in full ?
That's too vague.. if the patient has insurance than the discount has to be given to both the carrier and the patient which will defeat the purpose ..the insured must meet the cost savings clause of their policy..
If you are talking about a NON insured patient, then the provider can discount to his/her discretion, just make sure the discount is documented both on the encounter and in the chart so that IF there is insurance the provider is unaware of and the patient submits it.. you cover your butt. If the patient has insurance and the provider does want to discount, they should review their financial policy and if applicable have the patient sign a hardship waiver. It would be against the law to "routinely" discount copay's and out of pocket.