July 16, 2015
 
Question:

Jennifer,

Patients are coming in with extremely high deductibles and cannot seem to pay me.  Can I write these off or agree with patients by plan to not collect?  

Appreciate your thoughts on this. 

Dr. L

Answer:
 
No. I'm sorry to say you cannot take an across the board position to not bill or reduce. This is the foul reality of ACA. The government mandated insurance and now has approved plans to implement absurdly high deductibles so no one can afford to go to the doctor.  If a patient in an individual circumstance requires a hardship exception, be careful to document appropriately.  Short of that qualifier, you have to collect.  The unfortunate and not very effective answer I have for you is to tell the patient to seek a different insurance plan or complain to their elected officials.    
 
 
 
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Have a question or comment for Jennifer?
Contact Jennifer at Jennifer@Kirschenbaumesq.com or  at (516) 747-6700 x. 302.