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Is there a statute of limitations for a medical service provider in California for timely billing? Billed 15 months late.
Anonymous3 views2 answers
I received medical services from a local provider on 6/23/11. I made a partial payment on that date and the remaining balance was to be billed to my insurance company. My insurance made a payment to cover only part of the bill on 9/19/11. Almost a year later (9/18/12) I received the first notice from my medical provider of an outstanding balance. Is there a relevant statute of limitations for the medical service provider in California to send me a bill in a timely manner?
The statute of limitations applies to the collectability of debts that haven't been paid in several years. It does not, to the best of my knowledge, require a creditor to send out a bill within a certain time. As a practical matter, many insurance companies are so slow in responding to bills from doctors that it is the insurance company's fault that the bill takes so long to come to you. Had your insurance company paid their portion of your bill promptly, the doctor's office could have billed you for the uncovered portion more quickly.
In any event, how has this delay harmed you? Hope this perspective helps!
None that I know of. If you received services for which you agreed to pay to the extent that insurance company does not, the bill is your responsibility. Often the reimbursement from insurance comapnies can be a slow process. If you cannot afford to pay in full, make alternative payment arrangements.
