title: Writing off copayments.
abstract: Professions are accorded respect and autonomy by society in exchange for their willingness to enforce their own professional standards. A case is discussed where an associate discovers that the principal dentist is routinely not collecting the 20% copayment required by insurance contracts. Analysis shows that this practice is unethical, illegal, and unprofessional. Practical advice is offered for how such an issue should be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Amato
mesh_terms: D017047:Cost Sharing / Q000941:ethics*; D003669:Deductibles and Coinsurance / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007347:Insurance, Dental / Q000941:ethics*; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D009864:Ontario; D028743:Professional Misconduct