Practice Management

I know that HIPAA allows the patients to tell the provider that they do not want their claim filed to insurance but I haven't had anyone ever ask to do that.  I have one now and I was wondering what type of document you are using to document this request from the patient.  Do you have them sign something in advance?  Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks, Wendy

We have them sign a self-pay agreement form.  It states that insurance will not be filed now or at a later date. The caveats to filing at a later date are that after you file they may owe you more than the self pay price agreed upon and they won't like that.  Also, you want your billed charges consistent throughout so you may have to increase them to full price before submitting your bill to the carrier.  OFTEN, they come back and say they want to file it now to meet their deductible because now they need surgery, etc.  You may run into that, but we elect not to file in that case since they signed the self-pay agreement form. Hope this helps,

Mindy Smith

Billing Manager

Management Data Systems

3114 Lake St

Lake Charles, LA 70601

337-437-7681

866-437-7681

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