Question

A patient being seen by a physician has unpaid medical bills in excess of 5,000 after insurance payments. The patient has now lost his job and has limited financial resources. The office manager has reviewed the patient's financial situation to assess the patient's ability to pay and has agreed to reduce the fees owed to 2,500. Would this act violate the OIG gift allowance for beneficiaries?

1) Yes
2) No

Answer 1

The act of reducing the patient's fees owed does not violate the OIG gift allowance for beneficiaries.

Step-by-step explanation:

The act of reducing the patient's fees owed from $5000 to $2500 by the office manager does not violate the OIG gift allowance for beneficiaries. This is because the reduction in fees is offered based on the patient's financial situation and limited resources, and not as a direct gift or benefit. The office manager has assessed the patient's ability to pay and made a decision to reduce the fees as a form of financial assistance.