minor incurred a debt....

[monkey's mom]

Our teenage daughter was seen and treated by a Dr. that was not part of our medical insurance network. As a result they agreed to "treat" the minor as a "self paid patient" w/o our consent for treatment or agreement to pay the debts incurred. We learned of this in the form of a bill sent addressed to us! Per the CA Medical Association because she is 17 and a "mature minor" the med grp had the right to treat her and bill us. What right do we have regarding this debt?? Other physicians that the child has attempted to see on her own have ALWAYS called to verify insurance prior to treatment.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Our teenage daughter was seen and treated by a Dr. that was not part of our medical insurance network. As a result they agreed to "treat" the minor as a "self paid patient" w/o our consent for treatment or agreement to pay the debts incurred. We learned of this in the form of a bill sent addressed to us! Per the CA Medical Association because she is 17 and a "mature minor" the med grp had the right to treat her and bill us. What right do we have regarding this debt?? Other physicians that the child has attempted to see on her own have ALWAYS called to verify insurance prior to treatment.

My response:

Sorry. You're not going to get out of this one. Medical attention is considered a "necessary of life" - - and a child cannot disaffirm such a contract - - and parents of the child are on the hook. It makes no difference whether or not the doctor's office did, or did not, confirm the existence of insurance.

If I were you, I'd click on this link, and read it thoroughly:
http://www.lamission.cc.ca.us/law/bus1su99/chp15out.htm

Good luck.

IAAL

 

[monkey's mom]

Thank you very much for your help!! (even if it wasn't the answere i was looking for...) The frustration i have is that if they had simply called re; the insurance, we could have had her primary transferrred to that location within an hour. I have read the Family Code 692X series and see that she is protected and able to get treatment for a myriad of ailments without our authorization, knowlege, etc. I just would have liked the opportunity to let my insurance pay part of this - UGH!!

Thanks for the link too.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

You're welcome.

I am sure, by now, you have instructed your daughter that in the event of a non-emergency medical situation, that she is to use the doctors covered by your insurance - - that she is to use and show her insurance card to confirm that such coverage is available through the doctor she sees.

Good luck to you.

IAAL