Question
I have recently taken over a billing postion at a medical clininc, and needless to say there is a liitle cleanup going on here. I have run across a account that the service for the patient was denied back in '07, the service was provided in '06. For some reason the balance never got turned over to the pt. How far can a provider go back and bill a pateint? Is there a time limit on that?
Thank you
Answer
Hi Dana!
There is really no time limit set in stone in most states however most use 5-7 years......I would suggest explaining to patient why it took so long to bill them if you do plan to do so. Perhaps a letter explaining may help.
I would tell you that most patients will get very upset if you do not bill them for 2-3 years then out of the blue bill them. However if they owe alot worth a shot to bill them since legally they do owe it.
Most probably already know they owed it since most insurance companies do send an explanation of benefits to a patient when they make payment/deny.
Good Luck!
Tricia
