About This Episode
Routinely waiving co-pays and deductibles may feel like good customer service — but it carries severe compliance and legal risk that can result in civil monetary penalties, exclusion from federal programs, and even criminal exposure. Thomas J. Force explains what every physician needs to know about fee forgiveness and how to protect your practice.
Key Topics Covered
Why routine waiver of co-pays is a federal compliance issue
Anti-kickback statute implications of fee forgiveness
Civil monetary penalties and False Claims Act exposure
When hardship waivers are legally permissible
How payers use waiver patterns against providers in audits
Corrective action steps for practices that have been waiving fees
