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I went to a new dentist on Friday, and had to fill out the new patient paperwork.

One thing just made me shake my head, though. They asked for my name, credit card type and number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back of the card). Asked me to write it down on the application! That just seems like me engraving an invitation to have my credit card information stolen, no?

Anyway, I refused to do this (along with a few other things). They didn't call me on it.

Can I really be compelled to do this, or does asking for credit card information fall under the "if we ask for it, we just might get it" category?

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That sounds like a good, idea, maybe I will start doing it in my office. No more sending a statement and hoping someone will actually pay what they owe. My accounts receivable just makes my CPA shake his head in wonder. Unfortunately for my collection efforts, I still feel the practice of medicine isn't just about money so it continues to go up every year.

The dental profession, in general, are way ahead of us medical docs in learning new technology, regarding practice management and billing.

Medical practices are now under a statute to prevent identity theft-we are required to have policies and procedures regarding who has access to sensitive information. Obviously we are all at risk for that every time you give a server your credit card, hand it to the attendant at the gas station, and plug into a sale online.

I can't speak for every state, but I doubt that you are compelled to give them that information. They probably are doing it so, if for some reason your portion of the bill is more than thought initially, or your insurance comes up short, they can call and say-"we will just put the balance on your card." Thereby helping in their collection efforts.

They can legally refuse to accept patients before they are actually patients for almost any reason, but most practices do not. I will be interested to hear what the lawyers have to say about it....Maybe when the frugal lawyer gets back from her sabbatical.

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There was also a check box next to the place where I would enter the CC information authorizing them to charge my card should I have a balance due for whatever reason. But still, they would have had all the information to do that anyway. – mbhunter Dec 6 at 22:30
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Why hello. Did you call for me? It's like when you say Beetlejuice three times.

This is what I like to call creative attempts at collecting if you fail to pay your bill. No, you don't have to enter your credit card information. Just like you don't have to enter your SSN. You also don't have to sign the release of all of your medical records. (I don't sign theses for a number of reasons, plus they don't want them. It would take a uhaul. I prefer to get what they want. I am very tight with the front office at my doctors' offices and I am happy to pay the small fee for copies and their time.)

The main reason for obtaining your social is for collections purposes. If they have to sue you for money owed, it is a whole lot easier to get a garnishment if you know a person's social security number. (I have been on the suing end of things for many kinds of businesses.)

You don't have to fill out anything that you don't want to. Plain and simple. On any form. Your social security number is considered protected personal information during legal proceedings. I would also argue that a credit number is protected private financial information.

For fun, if the front office tries to pressure you, I'd have a bit of fun and say, well, okay, but I am uncomfortable providing this information, so I'd like my lawyer to review your forms first, so can we reschedule for a few days from now. I suspect that any pressure will be quickly alleviated. (This is especially fun for contracts related to automotive services. Tell me when they would need my SSN in any context???)

However, if you are unwilling to provide the information, the service provider may reserve the right to refuse service. Unless the person is the top in his or her respective field, you can probably find another pretty easily. In Vegas, there are dentists in every shopping center. Some will sedate you before the procedure. Some will lie and say you have six cavities even though you have never had a cavity (happened to me). Some will lie and say you need a root canal when something is just jammed way up high in your tooth (also happened to me). I personally don't want any of them having my credit card information. I can't even trust them to do their jobs.

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Oh, I refused to give my SSN initially as well. I ended up giving that because when I asked why they said they needed it to aid submission of my insurance claims. And as for "coming back in a few days" I ultimately would have caved in because I really wanted my tooth taken care of. I was glad they didn't catch on to this, because they could have pushed back more than they did. – mbhunter Dec 6 at 22:51
Having a copy of your insurance card will aid with submission of your insurance claim. They always make sure that they get that, along with my drivers license, so I still view this as being a vehicle for collection purposes. Dr. Dean, you will have to excuse my behavior but you must also remember that I have been to countless doctors during my decade as a medical mystery. But now, my favorite game is to hand them my business card along with my DL and insurance card when I hand in my form with blanks. Then we can begin our game of chicken on equal footing. – Frugallawyer Dec 7 at 1:08
Just remember, a lawyer cannot ask you for your ssn in a deposition. It is protected, private information and you do NOT have to give it out. Although I understand wanting to finish at the dentist. I let the guy tell me that I had six cavities so that we could finish the cleaning because I just wanted the cleaning to be done. – Frugallawyer Dec 7 at 1:10

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