Ever thought what is the most often quoted reason for non-payment by a patient of the excess?
The same reason is quoted over and over again. Its not ‘I haven’t got the money” nor is it “I didn’t realise it was so much”, not even “The invoice must have got lost in the post”.
Actually it is…
“But when I registered at the Private Hospital, they took a swipe of my debit (or credit] card and the fees should have been taken from that”
Why is this always being quoted and should you be suspicious?
In answer to the first question, it’s because the patient assumes the bill for your professional services will be “sorted” by the hospital. They genuinely don’t realise that the transaction is between them and you as the Consultant. Clearly the above statement may not be applicable if the patient has purchased a “package” with the Private Hospital. In answer to the second part, you should not be suspicious.
This is not to suggest the fault lies with the reception staff at the private hospital.
Recently I went with my own partner to a private hospital and as she checked in, it was very clearly explained that her debit card swipe covered only the hospital fees if there were any. There was even a sign up to that effect on the wall in front of us. So my partner, as all private patients, should realise what is covered by the swipe of their debit or credit card.
Yet a few weeks’ later when the invoice arrived from the consultant, she said to me something was wrong, as the Hospital had taken a swipe of her card when she attended the consultation.
Quite rightly, she called the consultant’s secretary (not an MHM client by the way!) who explained the situation and a BACS payment was made same day.
It does demonstrate however, the most often quoted reason why payment for an excess invoice has not been made.