FAQ


Can I waive copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for patients? What about for friends, families, or staff?


Depending on the payer, waiving a copay or deductible can range from contract violation to outright fraud. This is true for everyone — patients, staff, family, and friends. Many payer contracts


specify rules against waiving copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance, so review your contracts carefully. If you waive any of these payments for a Medicare patient, for example, you could be facing fraud charges by the federal government. The best policy is to collect all routine copays and deductibles. An exception may be an occasional hardship waiver for patients experiencing financial hardship, under your written charity care policy. Your ofice should carefully document each case of financial hardship.


64 TEXAS MEDICINE April 2015


PHOTO BY ALTRENDO IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES


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