11/02/2018    Charles Morelli DPM

Collecting Fees Upfront (Joseph Borreggine, DPM)

With total respect for Dr. Borreggine, I am
surprised that is question is still being
debated. With the exception of those who only
take cash and do not contract with any insurers,
whether you like it or not, we are in the
business of medicine and times have certainly
changed from what we all were accustomed to. They
changed years ago

Many will give examples of going to the store and
asking to only pay 80% for their groceries, while
others will comment on shopping at the mall and
asking the lady (sorry "person") at checkout if
they can pay when they come back to shop again in
2-3 months or they will suggest mailing a check.
Good luck with that. There is no other profession
where this is an issue. When my furnace blew, do
you think the plumber was going to let me just
pay for part of the service? These example can go
on infinitum so I will stop here.

Our policies are this. With our EMR we are able
to check the status of everyone's insurance
benefits. Everyone pays their copay and their
deductible BEFORE they are seen as a patient.
Period. If an appointment is made for an existing
patient for the new year, and we know that they
are going to have a deductible, they are told
this and they are also reminded prior to their
appointment. During the visit, if additional
treatment is going to be suggested or rendered,
it is discussed and the patient will either agree
or refuse the additional treatment (x-rays,
injection, etc.).

It’s very simple really. Get paid before you
provide your service by confirming and knowing
what their responsibility is, and never be shy
when discussing fees.

Charles Morelli, DPM, Mamaroneck, NY

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