Wow Kris: Hour BCBS is paying more on a level 3 than you get on a level 5. I don't know how anyone can even keep the doors open with $35 for a level 3! Don't people realize our overhead, and that a plumber or car mechanic makes more than that!? I think I would go into a Direct Pay situation or Concierge if in your place.
Ketan: Yes, we required patients to pay in full until deductible met. Why shouldn't they? I certainly couldn't get my pickup back until I paid the $1500 for the brakes and rotors service. Does your staff have to check BCBS records for all this, call insurance co? What do you mean, "run" the insurance ahead of time? Patients usually don't know or confess what they owe.
Eventually, you will sculpt your practice to be mostly good paying folks. Sometimes a long-term patient gets in a bind and we write it off, but that's my choice.
