Question
Hello,
Is it illegal to collect Medicare Part B patients the 20% cost share up front? I have heard rumors it is, yet we have difficulties collecting AFTER the visit. I would like to confirm whether this is true.
Answer
Hi Kelley!
In the US I am not aware of any laws saying you can not collect copay up front. The only issue is that you need to know exactly what a patients copay will be which at times is difficult due to the fee schedules. Also if a patient has secondary coverage then it would even be harder to determine what they may owe.
However if you know what the patient will owe you can collect up front. But be aware if you overcharge a patient you must refund them promptly.
Tricia
