Discounting services

[Guest guest]

Group,

I pose a question to you about the ethics and legality of

offering a free initial examination to a potential patient in order

that you might gain their business as a client/patient. Today, I had the

opportunity to accept a referral from a local footwear/athletic store

for a patient with ITB syndrome. When the client called our office to

see if she could get a free initial examination, she was told that for

her insurance we would need an MD referral. She called another outpatient clinic

in our area and was granted a free eval. So, she went with them and was seen

today.

I

am aware of the legality and ethical boundaries of offering a

discounted service or an approach of " No copays if you come here " and

will continue to steer clear. What I need is some clear guidelines that

do or do not permit this action of a free screen or evaluation.

I thank you in advance for your replies.

Mike

Mike Studer,PT,MHS,NCS, CEEAA

President, Northwest Rehabilitation Associates Inc. Serving You With

Specialist Care and a Personal Touch 

Phone:

Fax:

mike@...

www.northwestrehab.com