Billing and Collections Policy
Effective Date: October 1, 2024
This policy is maintained in compliance with Minnesota Statutes § 62J.806 and § 62J.807. It explains how I communicate with clients about medical debt, the steps I take before referring accounts to collections, and how I identify debt as uncollectible or satisfied.
Communication About Medical Debt
If you have an outstanding balance, I will communicate with you in the following ways:
Monthly statements: You will receive billing statements showing your current balance, recent charges, and payments received.
Phone contact: If your balance remains unpaid for 30 days, I may contact you by phone to discuss payment options.
Email: With your permission, I may send billing reminders to your email address.
In-person discussion: When appropriate, we may discuss your balance during an appointment.
All communications will be respectful and confidential. I will not contact third parties (such as family members, friends, or employers) about your medical debt.
Referral to Collection Agency or Law Firm
Before referring any account to a collection agency or attorney, I will take the following steps:
Initial contact: I will make at least one attempt to contact you by phone or mail to discuss your balance and payment options.
Written notice: If a balance remains unpaid for more than 30 days and no payment arrangement has been made, you will receive written notice at least 30 days before any referral to a collection agency or attorney.
Notice contents: The written notice will clearly state the amount owed, explain your options for setting up a payment plan, describe how to request financial hardship consideration, and provide information on how to dispute charges if you believe they are incorrect.
Time to respond: You will have at least 30 days from the date of the written notice to contact me, arrange a payment plan, or dispute the charges before the account is referred for collection.
I do not refer accounts to collection without first making reasonable efforts to work with you directly. If you receive a notice and need more time or have questions, please contact me as soon as possible.
Identifying Debt as Uncollectible or Satisfied
A balance will be marked as uncollectible or satisfied, and all collection activities will end when:
The balance has been paid in full.
A settlement agreement has been reached and fulfilled.
You have been approved for financial hardship assistance and the balance has been reduced or forgiven.
You have filed for bankruptcy and the debt has been discharged.
The debt is determined to be uncollectible (for example, you cannot be located, you have passed away with no estate, or collection costs exceed the debt amount).
The statute of limitations for collection has expired.
When this occurs, you will be notified in writing and all collection activities will cease.
Continuity of Care
I do not deny clinically appropriate or medically necessary care solely because of an outstanding balance. In accordance with Minnesota Statute § 62J.807, I will not refuse to provide medically necessary health treatment or services to you or any member of your family or household because of current or previous outstanding medical debt.
However, if you have an outstanding balance, I may require you to enroll in a payment plan as a condition of providing ongoing services. Any payment plan will be reasonable and will take into account the information you provide about your ability to pay.
Payment Plans and Financial Hardship
I understand that unexpected financial difficulties can arise. If you are unable to pay your balance in full, I encourage you to contact me to discuss payment options.
Payment Plans
I offer payment plans that allow you to pay your balance over time in amounts that work for your budget. Payment plans are tailored to your individual financial situation. To request a payment plan, please contact me by phone or email.
Financial Hardship Consideration
If you are experiencing significant financial hardship, you may request consideration for a balance reduction or adjustment. Please contact me and be prepared to provide information about your financial situation. Each request will be evaluated individually.
How to Contact Me
If you have questions about your bill, need to set up a payment plan, wish to discuss financial hardship, or want to dispute a charge, please contact me.
Policy Availability
You may also request a printed copy at any time by contacting me. This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in applicable laws or practices.
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Last Updated: October 25, 2025