If I was turned away from seeing my doctor due to a bill from 8 years ago and I’m pregnant, is this legal?
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If I was turned away from seeing my doctor due to a bill from 8 years ago and I’m pregnant, is this legal?
Asked on November 18, 2014 under Malpractice Law, Kansas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Yes, it is perfectly legal. Doctors are not charities: they are not government employees (unless they happen to work for the CDC or other government agency); they are essentially business people or professinals, who became doctors not just to help people but to make a living for themselves and their families. While their business may be to provide medical care, they 1) are not required to do this for free; and 2) are allowed to decide who they want--and do not want--as patients. A doctor is free to turn away a patient who has failed to pay her bills in the past.
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