Wiki Charging Patients for using an Answering Service

[KGETGEN]

The answering service that our office uses is increasing their rates by $3 per call. Can our office charge the patients for using this service or does anyone have any experience with this type of situation?

 

[jkyles]

Hi there, I don't think so. Operational costs like that are included in the practice expense calculations for the services a practice bills.

 

[thomas7331]

I agree, costs for communicating with patients are part of office overhead and are inclusive to the services your office provides - you can't itemized out these costs to the patients.

In my opinion, it's also a really bad idea because it could cause your patients - especially those on limited incomes - to not to call the office when may they need help or have questions, which could end up negatively impacting their health status.