Wiki Professional/courtesy discounts

[lisa royalty]

I am looking for a resource that I can access that explains rules regarding
professional/courtesy discounts, hardship and bad debt discounts. The Dr's in my practice continue to ask that we extend these discounts. I need input from other practices what their policies state. Thank you!
Lisa Royalty,CPC

 

[mitchellde]

AMA opinion 6.12 dated 1999 states that they no longer sanction the practice of professional courtesy discounts because it violates numerous state and federal statutes. HIPPA states states that by knowing your are required to collect a co-pay or deductible and your failure to make the required attempts to do so in full is in effect an act of fraud. The anti-kickback staute can be violated by this practice and the false claims act also. It is a legal obligation that the pAtient has to pay their copay or deductible amount in full. For patients with no insurance each state has a medical indigency provision which allows a percentage discount base on the patient's proven income. Discounts and professional courtesies are a scary thing these days so tread lightly.