03/30/2021    

QUERIES (NON-CLINICAL)

Query: Deposits for Surgery

 

I am curious if any of you require non-refundable deposits to schedule surgery. If the patient has surgery, the amount paid goes toward their bill, and if they cancel, the deposit is non-refundable. The amount of work that goes into surgery scheduling is significant. We spend a lot of time performing consultations, doing pre-authorization paperwork, making phone calls to insurance companies, and finding, coordinating, and confirming surgery times with facilities. There is lost revenue not only due to the actual surgery reimbursement, but also due to the time spent preparing for surgery.

 

Some of my employees have mentioned that other doctors require a non-refundable deposit before a surgery can be scheduled. I’ve personally never seen non-refundable deposits (except in cash-based practices) and am not even sure of the legalities when dealing with insurance. Should we require a non-refundable deposit to schedule surgery or is “tire kicking” just the cost of doing business?

 

David Williams, DPM, El Paso, TX