Wayne
The problem with the uninsured for the surgeon is they never come back after surgey is done. Because of the associated high liability for the service we render I don't like to operate on patient unless I got paid. We offer upfront payment with discount if they agree.
The other problem that we see now is that most patient have very high deductable with $2500-$5000. Most of these patients do not come back after there surgery and they refuse to pay there deductable, simply because they have no need for my service any more. I have a patient who had a gall bladder surgery in 2004 she had a balance of $474 she refused to pay until I started to charge late fee and interest . She finally paid last week.
I undrestand that in primary care is good to keep those uninsured patient but my suggestion is to help collect there obligation quickly and to teach the patient there is no free service.
I goty my idea from all the people who provide my personal service whether he is the gentelman who is mowing my yard to my electric company and water company and my CPA . I had recently operated on a lawyer in town for acute appendicitis. When he came to my office he had to sign the form . He had no objection . In fact he agreed that once the patient sign the form they can not object on either the fee or the interst rate. His office actually charge 1.5% /month for any unpaid balance.
One last thing I would also add to the form is to add a clause that they be also resposible for all cost of lawyer, collection and court in addition to late fee and interest.
My advise is to have the patient sign this form as a seperat form and to be clear not in small letter. I can email you a copy of mine if you would like.
