Ever thought what is the most often quoted reason for non-payment by a patient of an excess?
The same reason is quoted over and over again. It’s not “I haven’t got the money”. It’s not “I didn’t realise it was so much, Not even “The invoice must have got lost in the post”.
Actually, it is…
“I’ve paid it because when I registered at the Private Hospital, they took a swipe of my debit (or credit] card and the fees are taken from that”
That is often quoted to me. Twice last evening in fact.
How Come?
Why is it always being quoted and should you be suspicious when it’s said to you?
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.
Who is to blame?
This is not to suggest the fault lies with the reception staff at the private hospital in any way.
Recently I went with my own partner to a private hospital. As she registered, it was very clearly explained that her debit card 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 with 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, my partner said to me something was wrong, as the Hospital had taken a swipe of her card when she attended the consultation.
I explained most likely WHY she had received an invoice from the consultant.
She, nonetheless, insisted that was wrong because her debit card had been swiped by the hospital.
This despite it being explained when she registered what her debit card would and would not cover.
Quite rightly, she called the consultant’s secretary (not an MHM client by the way!) who explained the situation and payment was made by debit card immediately.
It does demonstrate, however, the most often quoted reason why payment for an excess invoice has not been made.
“Can’t be right – the hospital took a swipe of my debit card when I registered”
pete@medicalhealthcaremanagement.co.uk