Credit Card on File Policy
We are committed to making sure our payment system is as simple and efficient as possible. Keeping your credit card on file is a convenient way to streamline your checkout and gives us the ability to collect payment in a timely fashion and avoid added administrative expense.
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Charges to your card on file are processed on the day of services rendered either at checkout if you stop at the front desk, or by the end of the day if you need to leave directly at the conclusion of your appointment.
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Rest assured, if at any time it is discovered that there has been an error in processing by our office, we will promptly issue a refund to your card on file.
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Please read through the following FAQ section for common questions regarding this policy:
Do I have to leave my credit card information to be a patient at this practice?
Yes, with the exception of patients utilizing Medicare. This policy is a growing trend in the healthcare industry and it ensures that we meet the financial requirements for our Practice reliably.
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What if I don't have a credit card?
You are welcome to leave a debit card or HSA card on file. We understand there are legitimate reasons you may not have a card (declared bankruptcy, maxed out, or declared unworthy of credit), in these cases it is not fair for us to extend you credit.
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I always pay my bills, why do I have to leave a credit card on file with you?
This policy isn't personal; we apply it equally to all of our cash-pay patients. By doing it this way, the temptation to play favoritism is eliminated and it removes us from the uncomfortable situation of having to decide who has to follow the policy and who doesn't.
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I'm nervous about leaving you my credit card info.
We do not store your credit card information in our office. Your information is securely stored on our credit card processing platform which uses PCI-validated point-to-point encryption (P2PE), the most secure technology available, reducing credit card processing security risks for our patients. Our front-desk staff will only see the last 4 digits as they appear on the processing screen, and no one in our office will have access to your full credit card information.
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When do I have to pay for services?
Payment for services rendered is due on the day of your appointment at checkout. We can no longer sustain our Practice by extending credit to our patients expecting that they will all pay in a timely manner.
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How will I know how much you are going to charge me?
We are upfront and transparent about our pricing. You will receive our fee for service information on your first visit or any time after that at your request.
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Will I still receive a paper statement in the mail?
No, Focused Pain Relief will not send patient statements, but can issue receipts for payment at each visit for your records. Medicare patients will still receive EOB's from Medicare.
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What if I need to dispute my charges?
We will work with you to understand if there has been a mistake. We will promptly refund your credit card if there was a processing error or if Medicare has provided written explanation of a calculation error on their part.
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Do I need to sign a credit card authorization form?
Yes. This is provided in our office at your visit and ensures an understanding of our financial policy.
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Is this like "signing a blank check"? You could charge me anything!
No. Leaving a credit card on file is similar to what a hotel or rental car company does at check-in, and very commonly at the orthodontist's office. Your card is securely encrypted on our processing server and charged only for the portion of the bill that is patient responsibility as pre-authorized by you with your signed agreement. All credit card contracts give cardholders the right to challenge any fraudulent charge against their accounts.
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Is this "balance billing"?
No. "Balance billing" is when the patient is asked to pay the difference between our fee (or billed charges) and what the insurance company has agreed to pay. That practice is improper. The charge to your card is only the patient responsibility for services rendered, there is no "gray area" here. Focused Pain Relief collects only what is due for services rendered, as outlined in our treatment agreement.
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