Well mine is fixed. Thursday was the deadline for payment (just half the amount), so she transferred. I can't charge the Medicaid patient for records -- god no, can't do that. But, I can charge for her sons' records. At least I can get back around $100. I know she will complain I can't do that. But, I can. So many patients think the record is theirs. No it is the practices. They are entitled to a copy. Which they must pay for if we want to charge. And, we will.
After reading Wendell's post, healthcare is just so burdened with insurance. I wonder why. The hole way I fixing it was 10 days in the back room of Congress. I suppose the only way is universal healthcare. Part of that problem is a lot would pay for it and some wouldn't. This is probably stupid, but why not pay for the whole thing with a health sales tax. 3% across the board. It couldn't be more than the $700 I pay for my $5,000 deductible. And, then when patients who are getting assistance (which is good, and they pay better than my private insurance) come in with four smart phones and a Jaguar, it wouldn't be frustrating. It would mean that each phone was helping to pay for everyone's healthcare. Of course, then the government would set up all the rules. Only screening rule we need is being charged for routine ER visits.
