Question: South Dakota Subscriber Answer: Pointer: Make sure you tell the patient where you obtained the information about his deductible, and let him know that the amount is an estimate based on the services your physician expects to perform. Otherwise, you may receive calls from patients after procedures saying they don't owe any additional fees because they have already paid up front. Always emphasize that the amount you are collecting is just an estimate, and after their insurance pays, you will adjust the payment amount, which may result in a partial refund or additional monies owed. Some practices use a written surgical fee estimate, which they provide to the patient. If you cannot collect up front from a patient, you're left with two options: reschedule the procedure or perform the procedure and hope the patient pays you afterwards when you send a bill. Many practices are opting for rescheduling, especially if the case is elective. The last option to consider would be setting up a payment plan to allow the patient to pay off the amount due over time -- an option, granted, which may leave you with a balance to write off.