A patient has not paid the balance due after insurance payments. The practice manager has sent numerous reminders and the patient has not contacted the practice. At this point, the practice manager

Question

A. may sue the patient for the balance.
B. may have the physician sign a letter of dismissal with 30 days to find a new physician.
C. can do nothing; the practice is out the money owed.
D. may begin calling the patient at work.
E. can report the patient to the Better Business Bureau.

Answer 1

B. may have the physician sign a letter of dismissal with 30 days to find a new physician.

A provider has a responsibility to notify the patient about the reason for discontinuing care and give the patient time, usually 30 days, to find a new physician. While the physician may eventually sue the patient for the balance, notice of discontinuance of care must be done first.