This financial payment policy is an agreement between Stark Medical and you, the patient, or the responsible party. By signing the patient registration form, you are acknowledging that you understand and agree to our financial payment policy.
Patient Responsibility:
- You must provide us with a current insurance card and billing information. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company. It is your responsibility to know your insurance benefits and pay any remaining portion due afterinsurance processes your claim.
- Co-pays are due at the time of service.
- NSF Fees: A $20.00 returned check fee will be charged for checks returned due to insufficient funds.
- No-Show Fee: If you do not cancel or reschedule your appointment with at least 24 hours notice, we may asses a $50 "No-Show" service charge to your account. This "no-show charge" is not reimbursable by your insurance company. You will be billed directly for it. If you have 2 or more no-shows, we MAY discharge from practice.
- Effective 1/1/2024 Stark Medical will be implementing a service charge for completion of forms that are not completed within a scheduled office visit. Examples include: Physical forms, Disability forms, FMLA, Driver's License forms, Handicap Placard, and Prior Authorization Requests.
I understand that I am financially responsible for all charges regardless of third-party involvement. I agree to pay any deductible, co-insurance; copay, or any service(s) deemed a “non-covered benefit” by my insurance company.
Under California law (Civil Code Section 1785.27), medical debt holders are prohibited from reporting unpaid medical debts to consumer credit reporting agencies. This means that any unpaid balance for services received at our practice will not appear on your credit report. However, please note that unpaid debts may still be pursued through other legal avenues, including direct communication and collection efforts by agencies working on our behalf.
Additionally, if a debt holder knowingly violates this law by reporting medical debt to credit agencies, the debt will become void and unenforceable under California law. While this protects patients from credit reporting impacts, it does not eliminate the obligation to pay for services provided.
To ensure the sustainability of our practice and to continue providing high-quality care to all patients, we kindly request that all outstanding balances be paid promptly. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss payment options or financial assistance programs that may be available to you.
Please also note that patients who fail to meet their financial obligations may be subject to discharge from our practice, as we must take steps to prevent further uncollectible debt from being incurred. We hope this will not be necessary and are committed to working with you to resolve any outstanding balances in a fair and respectful manner.