Financial Hardship Waivers

When it comes to fees, most physicians know at least these basic rules: they cannot offer discounts to patients as an inducement to use the physician’s services, nor can they solicit business by agreeing to waive copayments or deductibles. But what about offering a discount to a patient in need?

Unfortunately, in recent times, many patients have experienced true financial difficulty, for any number of economic factors that have affected many working people. From a genuine sense of generosity, many of our members would like to apply a “sliding fee scale” in cases of financial hardship but are uncertain whether this accommodation could be an improper discount. Most are aware of hospitals waiving fees for hardship but are uncertain whether physicians are permitted to discount or waive fees for in-office services rendered to needy patients. By adhering to consistent guidance and screening, physicians may allow fee discounts or waivers for qualifying patients only.   The following is a review of the legal standards that apply to financial hardship discounts in the chiropractic physician office and how to help needy patients without incurring undue risk.