Advised by whom?? That's the most ridiculous thing I have heard and, personally, if we physicians continue to play the patsy we will continue to be abused! I quit taking Medicaid 5 years ago. I refuse to be a part of that "ask for an inch and take a mile" philosophy. As far as my private pay patients, if they do not have their copay, they are not seen. Period! (unless it is an emergency). They are told it is their insurance company's rule that the copay must be paid at the time of the visit. Surprising how many patients will suddenly remember they left their checkbook in the car and then run out and get it. If a patient absolutely cannot pay that day we will gladly reschedule for another day. If I know the patient well and they have a good history of paying their bills, I might go ahead and see them but tell them they need to bring the copay back later in the day or tomorrow. And it is I that tell them this, not the front office person. When I look them in the eyes and tell them it is much more effective. If we have to send a statement to collect a copay, there is a $5.00 charge. That info is posted plainly in the waiting room. Now days, this is rarely an issue because my patients have been trained to know that they have to pay up front.
You youngsters need to get tough or the system will eat you up.
Leslie
