Open and Transparent Financial Disclosures
Patients complain about their dental care for a myriad of reasons. Common among them is misunderstanding or misinformation about the cost of treatment, especially when the procedure fails to meet the patient’s expectations.
Review Financial Obligations During the Consent Process
Engaging in a thorough discussion with the patient about the financial obligations associated with treatment during the informed consent process can help alleviate this issue. A detailed treatment plan outlining the specific financial responsibilities linked to the level of care chosen by the patient is a crucial initial step. As the treatment becomes more expensive and complex, the treating physician should allocate more time to the consent process and discuss the treatment plan.
Download a Sample Form to Help Guide Your Financial Obligations Discussion
This process can be even more successful with a well-crafted general “Financial Responsibility Policy” document that outlines your office’s various policies regarding patient payment for services, late fees, cancellation fees, etc.
We created a sample Patient Financial Responsibility Policy Form that is available
for you to download and customize for your practice!
Modify the Sample Form as Necessary to Meet Your Practice’s Specific Needs
Please adapt the sample form as necessary to fulfill any legal obligations specific to the state in which you operate. Since each practice faces distinct situations and laws can differ by state, we advise consulting with your attorney before using this or similar forms in your work. Furthermore, review your state’s relevant laws and regulations for any limitations regarding fees and restrictions. For legal advice concerning any issues addressed in this “form,” please consult a local attorney.
The information contained on the DentistCare Blog does not establish a standard of care, nor does it constitute legal advice. The information is for general informational purposes only. We encourage all blog visitors to consult with their personal attorneys for legal advice, as specific legal requirements may vary from state to state. Links or references to organizations, websites, or other information is for reference use only and do not constitute the rendering of legal, financial, or other professional advice or recommendations. All information contained on the blog is subject to change. The sample form listed here is intended for illustrative purposes only.
