We are somewhat confused by the subject of copays. Eighty-five percent of our practice is generated in the hospital — either through consults or the emergency department — and we rarely see patients in the office until their follow-up. Are we ever allowed to collect a copay on a patient's follow-up visit?
Question: We are somewhat confused by the subject of copays. Eighty-five percent of our practice is generated in the hospital - either through consults or the emergency department - and we rarely see patients in the office until their follow-up. Are we ever allowed to collect a copay on a patient's follow-up visit?
Answer: You are correct that most patients you see - those that came to you from the hospital - do not owe you a copay when they come to your office for follow-up care.
Follow-up visits generally don't include copays.
Of course, you'll want to collect from anyone else - your other 15 percent of patients.
Lead through crisis with confidence: A health care leader’s playbook for resilience and reputation
May 6th 2025Proactive crisis readiness equips health care leaders to navigate today’s permacrisis era, protecting brand reputation, sustaining patient‑care continuity, and preserving stakeholder trust when disruptive events strike.