Doctors seek fees at time of service

An increasing number of physicians are asking for the patient's share of that day's medical fees, including any deductible set by the insurer, at the time of the visit. At one Washington, DC, doctor's office, a video screen in the waiting area tells patients that if they don't have their insurance card, the practice would be happy to "reschedule your appointment." That practice also asks that the co-pay be provided before the patient sees the doctor and calls patients in arrears to a window in full view, and earshot, of other waiting patients.