Kansas Medical Professionals – Ensuring Your Patients Understand Your Billing Policies

One of the biggest quibbles patients have with their healthcare providers is over the legitimacy of a bill.  We all know just how expensive healthcare can be, and it is unlikely that patients have the ability to pay all of their medical bills without health insurance.  Even with health insurance, patients are still stuck paying a significant portion of their medical expenses in the form of deductibles, co-pays for office visits, and the cost of prescription medication.  Because many patients do have difficulty managing their medical expenses, it is no wonder that they are more meticulous when it comes to reviewing bills they have received from healthcare providers.

Managing Patient Billing Disputes

When a patient comes into your office (or calls your office) to question a particular bill, it is always important to first make sure the patient is aware of your billing policies.  While most healthcare providers have language in the initial paperwork given to patients that specifically define the provider’s billing policies, many patients claim to not understand the policies, or indicate that they do not remember agreeing to such policies.  One way to address this issue is to not only ensure the patient reads the billing policies, and signs an acknowledgement form, but to also have a verbal discussion with the patient to confirm that there is a full and complete understanding of the billing policies.

Even if your billing policies are clear, patients may still complain about the cost and will simply state that they are unable to pay.  In such cases, it is a good idea to work with the patient to formulate a payment plan that best suits the patients.  Even if a patient is only able to make a small monthly payment towards his or her balance, this is something that helps your practice collect past due payments, but it also provides patients with peace of mind that they can continue to receive care and not worry about a looming medical bill.

Further, to make clear to your patients that billing policies are important, and to better inform your patients about the care they are receiving, some healthcare providers have considered itemizing medical bills in greater detail.  This is not unlike the explanation of benefits patients receive from their medical insurance providers; however, when patients receive such detailed information from their medical providers, they may be less inclined to dispute the legitimacy of a particular bill.  Overall, open communication with your patients regarding billing policies is essential, and while there will always be those few patients that complain, the majority of patients will understand what is expected of them.

Contact Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you are a medical professional, you likely know just how frustrating and stressful billing matters can be.  Some patients may even complain to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts if they are unhappy with a particular medical provider.  Oftentimes, complaints are without merit; however, it is essential to have a strong advocate by your side if you are facing a complaint.  Danielle Sanger of the Sanger Law Office is a Kansas Professional License Defense Attorney who has the experience and skill you need to fight any complaint or disciplinary action.  Ms. Sanger has helped numerous clients keep their Kansas professional licenses, and as a former Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, she knows what to expect from those in charge of investigating complaints and other allegations of misconduct.  If you are facing the potential loss of your professional license, it is crucial that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible.  Danielle Sanger has the resources and dedication to help you overcome a very challenging time.  To speak with Ms. Sanger, contact the Sanger Law Office to schedule your free consultation by calling (785) 979-4353.

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