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Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork
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Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork
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Is this a new trend? My employee needs surgery. He took the Physician Certification to his doctor and the doctor wants to charge the employee to complete the form. The employee doesn't want to pay.
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Forums  »  Topic Forums  »  Legal Forum  »  Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork

Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork

posted at 5/21/2010 5:58 AM EDT
Posts: 22
First: 3/11/2004
Last: 5/21/2010
Is this a new trend?
My employee needs surgery. He took the Physician Certification to his doctor and the doctor wants to charge the employee to complete the form. The employee doesn't want to pay. Is the employer responsible to pay this, since we are requiring that the form be completed? Should the employee pay? Can the employee's medical insurance be billed for this?
Any words of wisdom will be appreciated.
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Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork

posted at 5/21/2010 6:02 AM EDT
Posts: 1103
First: 3/16/2007
Last: 8/19/2011
This has been in practice since the FMLA was passed.

The employee should pay as they must qualify for FMLA and in order to qualify they must submit proof

You cannot bill insurance for this
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Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork

posted at 5/21/2010 6:52 AM EDT
Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006
Last: 9/14/2011
I've never found a doctor who does NOT charge. Usually between $20 and $25.

I've never found an insurance plan that covers that charge.

So it's just a cost to the employee. I would NOT suggest the employer pay it.
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Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork

posted at 5/21/2010 7:59 AM EDT
Posts: 323
First: 6/15/1999
Last: 9/9/2011
Yes, this is definitely a practice of physicians. Some employees mention it ($50!)and others do not, so I am not certain if ALL physicians charge. I understand billing for time and appreciate that (hopefully) such costs do not get spread out and passed along to all his/her patients. Still, I feel like it can really be a kick to someone already down...and a tangible hardship for someone facing medical bills with loss of pay from time missed.
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Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork

posted at 5/21/2010 8:19 AM EDT
Posts: 1103
First: 3/16/2007
Last: 8/19/2011
Those Physician Offices are businesses too. They can't give things away for free if they wish to stay in business and provide a valuable service.
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Physican charging to complete FMLA paperwork

posted at 5/21/2010 8:41 AM EDT
Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006
Last: 9/14/2011
Honestly I view them a lot like employment verifications....and I wish I could charge for those!

They take up a lot of time that is not directly related to growing the business because 80+% are for former employees!
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