What is the statute of limitations for billing a patient for a dental procedure?

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What is the statute of limitations for billing a patient for a dental procedure?

I just started work for a dental office who had fallen behind with their billing, and as part of my responsibilities I have been sending statements to patients with past due balances, some going back about 4 years. Many of them are calling to say that it’s been too long for us to bill them now and I can kind of see their point. However, I also see that they received a service by a very good dental specialist who deserves to get paid for the work he did. In regards to state law I just want to know where our rights as a practice and dental service provider put us in respect to collecting overdue balance

Asked on July 12, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Connecticut

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Under the laws of most states in this country the statute of limitations for billing for services or product provided a customer in order to file suit such as services provided by a dentist is four (4) years.

However, from a business standpoint, imagine how a patient feels about getting a first time bill from a particular dentist for services three (3) plus years after the services were provided. It does not make the dentist sending the bill seem like he or she is too astute of a business person paying attention to detail.


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