Private Pay Patients

My physician is wanting to reschedule or refuse to see our private pay patients who are not current with their payment arrangements, when they present for their appointment.

For example, we have private pay patients sign a "promise to pay" agreement stating that they will pay an agreed upon amount each month. Many of our patients never make a payment, however, they continue to keep their appointments.

We always try to collect a payment when the patient comes in, however, often times they are unable to pay. And, we have never refused to see the patient.

I am afraid if we do not see the patient, that we could be at risk for abandonment of care.

Any advice or recommendation on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

It's abandonment

If they are ill, see them that day, hand them a letter terminating care in 30 days and send their account to collections.

If it is a routine appointment and you are CERTAIN they are not sick, you could turn them away and terminate care in 30 days.

care

You are at risk for abandoment. The only way to not see a patient is to send a letter that you will not continue to treat after a certain date and give patient recommendations for another physician. Consult health care attorney.