Medical Office Co-Pays?

Question

Is it legal for doctor offices to charge their patients an additional fee for all copayments not received by the last working day of each month? I got a letter from my doctors office charging me an additional $10 on top of my $20 copay telling me that both the office and I have signed a contract with my insurance company and that this contract states that a copay is to be collected at the time of each visit. This is being done to help cover the cost of billing copays each month.

Answer 1

Is it legal?  Well, it depends.  They may have a right to charge late fees.  Most states have laws regarding what's a "reasonable" late fee, of course.  (Usually a percentage of the total amount due.)  $10 sounds a little steep for a late fee on such a small balance.

Of course, the way to get around any late charge on your copay is to pay it when you're in the office on the day of the visit.  :)

Answer 2

It's a form of balanced billing and no it's not "legal", call your insurance carrier and have them handle it.

Answer 3

~~First check with your carrier. I've never heard of this before. Some doctors do and can charge a fee for late payment but it must be disclosed to you in writing when you first come to the office, and they must have you sign the agreement. If neither of those hold true, you do to need to pay.~~

Answer 4

never heard of this.  i would check with your benefit rep about this.  it does not sound legit.  i could be wrong though.

Answer 5

Your physician's office should charge you your copay at the time of visit.  Most dr's do require the copay at the time of the visit to avoid the time and expense of billing patients.

I would ask to see the contract they state you signed, and I would pay at the time of service next time. If they have a credit on your account, that is their issue to deal with. When it is time to bill you, they can apply the credit and zero the account out.

Answer 6

The purpose of the co-pay is to save you the entire cost of the visit. You normally have to pay the co-pay while there on the visit. However, if the doctor doesn't cover himself by stating in writing that co-pays are required at the time of the visit, he can't legally do anything about it. If you signed a contract saying that you would be responsible for the co-pay and any outstanding balances, then you are responsible and  they can charge appropriate fees of recovery.