Ethics of point-of-service collections in dermatology

Abstract

Rapidly increasing healthcare costs and inflation have overwhelmed patients and physicians. The repercussions of patient’s failing to pay for medical services and incurring medical debt are encountered by patients, hospitals, clinics and private practices. To combat delinquent payments, some healthcare entities have adopted point-of-service collections (POSc), requiring partial (co-pays) or full payment for services not covered by insurance before medical services are rendered. We discuss the financial and ethical implications of POSc and recommend a pragmatic approach to POSc in healthcare.