With more patients on higher deductible plans, more and more providers are asking patients to either pay a part of the cost upfront, or for a credit/debit card to be put on file.
Note: this does not include co-pays, which have historically been required upfront before being seen. Co-pays are a set amount that you have agreed to pay when you signed up with your particular health insurance plan. Instead, we are talking about a percentage of the total cost, which may be unknown at this point, or a “blank check” in the form of a credit/debit card on file.
Though bad practice, there is no law preventing private health care companies from doing this. Some are flexible if you have historically paid your balances on time. LabCorp allows patients to decline putting a credit card on file if you ask. Federal regulations require emergency departments to assess and stabilize a patient regardless of ability to pay. But otherwise, for routine care you are out of options.
Note that it may be normal practice to pay upfront if you do not have insurance, or have an elective procedure that is not usually covered by insurance.
