Copays and Deductibles

I realize this is not a coding question, but if someone would comment on this, I would greatly appreciate it.

Some of our doctors have been writing-off copays and deductibles of employees. I have always been told they better off just not charging and billing the insurance at all because our contracts with the insurance companies state that we will collect the copays and deductibles.

Any comments on how this may be handled in your offices?

Thanks in advance for your input.

re: Copays and Deductibles

Of course, this is a question for your practice lawyer, who has copies of your health insurance contracts.

I think that most contracts prohibit writing off co-pays and deductibles but still billing the insurance company. I don't think the fact that they are your employees changes that.

re: Copays and Deductibles

If you are checking benefits prior to the patient's visit then You can collect the copay at the time of visit and some time patients are having 2ndry or any other plans that covers patients deductibles, copays and out of pockets. So you can bill 2ndries for this purpose. You can bill innetwork deductible to patients if you are not restricted by any contract.