Receipts are required for cash payments, as that is the most common and easiest way for embezzlement to happen in a medical office. For patients who pay with checks, their canceled check is considered their receipt. Receipts for credit or debit card transactions are common, although many systems now allow receipts to be send via email.

It used to be true that the physician signed the encounter form (superbill, charge ticket, etc.) and the patient signed the encounter form to prove the patient was there and the care was provided and that form also served as a receipt, however many practices only supply a copy of the encounter form upon request.

So to answer your original question, I personally do not know why a receipt should be written out for each patient, unless the practice has been embezzled in the past and this is the way they are protecting themselves. It would seem that writing out receipts for every patient would be time-consuming and inefficient, but there’s always more to the story…

Thanks for writing and

Best wishes,

Mary Pat

Thank you,
Michelle

Thanks for your question.

My advice depends on your specialty and payer mix and whether you are using paper charts or electronic medical records.

For instance, I would suggest something a little different for a pediatric office than I would an internal medicine practice. I would give different advice for a practice on paper charts then I would on EMR. Woud you give me a bit more information, and I will give you some options for your transition.

Please email me at marypatwhaley@gmail.com.

Best wishes,

Mary Pat