decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2008 Issue 3 (March)
What to do when patients walk out before a service is finished
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Article Overview
This article discusses how physician practices may respond when patients leave before a service is completed or fully begun. It focuses on billing considerations, patient fee collection concerns, communication with patients, and the limits of using noncoverage forms in these situations. The content is aimed at coders, billers, and practice managers looking for general guidance on handling walkouts and unfinished encounters.
Why This Topic Matters
Patient walkouts can affect whether any service can be billed and may create patient-relations and compliance concerns. Understanding the general issues covered in the article helps practices evaluate how to handle incomplete encounters consistently.
What You Will Learn
- How incomplete patient encounters may affect billing decisions
- General considerations for handling patient walkouts in a medical practice
- Why communication and office workflow can influence walkout frequency
- The role of noncoverage paperwork in unfinished-service situations
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Practice managers
- Physician office staff
Codes Discussed
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