My doctor complains that a sign language interpreter costs more than my doctor is paid for my medical appointment. Can my doctor refuse to pay?
No. If a sign language interpreter is necessary to provide you equal access and quality of care, and necessary to assure you effective communication, your doctor must pay the sign language interpreter even if that appointment is financially a net loss to your doctor’s practice. Your doctor is not, however, required to bear an undue burden or to fundamentally alter your doctor’s medical practice. For example, a payment may be considered an undue burden or fundamental alteration if it would cause your doctor to go bankrupt or go out of business. A loss on a single appointment or even providing ongoing care for a patient does not establish an undue burden or fundamental alteration. The overall financial circumstances of your doctor’s practice must be considered.
Related Questions
- The doctor charged $3,500.00 for a medical procedure and insurance company only paid $2,000.00 because they say this is the UCR amount. Can they do this and do I owe the difference?
- Medical Billing service owns practice management software, doctor has an appointment scheduler integrated with the Medical billing service software?
- Can my doctor deny me a sign language interpreter during my medical appointments if lip reading and written notes work just as well?
