Test Your Knowledge on Waiving Copays

Most physicians know they should not routinely waive patient copays. But what about the finer points of the law? Take this short true and false quiz by attorney Michael Sacopulos, founder and president of Terre Haute, Ind.-based Medical Risk Institute, to find out what you really know.

1. The prohibition against waiver of copays and/or deductibles applies only to governmental payers.

A) True

B) False

2. It avoids legal issues to ask a patient to provide an online review of your practice in exchange for waiving a copayment.

A) True

B) False

3. In addition to monetary penalties, there are possible criminal consequences for improper waiver of deductibles.

A) True

B) False

4. If a third-party vendor (such as a durable medical goods provider) waives copayments or deductibles in exchange for patient referrals, it is problematic for both the practice and the vendor.

A) True

B) False

5. A staff member could potentially receive a monetary award for reporting that a practice has improperly waived copays and/or deductibles.

A) True

B) False

6. Your practice should have a written policy on waiver of copays and deductibles.

A) True

B) False

7. Documentation of the waiver of any copay or deductible is only necessary for legal compliance reasons.

A) True

B) False

Key: 1B; 2B; 3A; 4A; 5A; 6A; 7B