General Surgery Coding Alert - 2010 Issue 10
Billing: Has A Broken Payment Agreement Come To Dismissal?
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Article Overview
This practice management article discusses how medical offices can handle patient dismissal related to nonpayment while reducing risk to the practice and avoiding unnecessary conflict. It focuses on general billing and relationship-management guidance for office staff and administrators, including notice periods, referrals, written correspondence, certified mailing, and the importance of a clear financial policy.
Why This Topic Matters
Policies for patient dismissal can affect patient continuity of care, office workflow, and legal exposure. This article helps readers understand the broad process considerations involved in documenting and communicating a nonpayment-related termination of care.
Article Sections
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Offer to Continue Care for 30 Days
Discusses the need for a short transition period when ending the relationship and the general care-continuity concerns involved.
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Provide the Patient With a Referral
Covers referral-related considerations during the transition period and the role of other providers.
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Leave Out Reasons for Dismissal
Explains the importance of careful wording in written communications and the risks of including unnecessary details.
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Send the Letter Certified
Addresses documentation and delivery methods for dismissal correspondence and related office follow-up.
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Make Your Statement Upfront
Describes the value of a well-defined financial policy and proactive communication in the practice setting.
What You Will Learn
- How practices may approach ending a physician-patient relationship after repeated payment problems
- What general communication and documentation steps are commonly emphasized in dismissal situations
- Why written financial policies and transition planning are important in patient billing workflows
- How offices may handle correspondence and recordkeeping related to dismissal notices
Who Should Read This
- Medical office staff
- Practice managers
- Billing personnel
- Coding and reimbursement professionals
- Physician administrators
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