Is there a statue of limitations for the billing of services?
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Is there a statue of limitations for the billing of services?
I’ve been seeing a periodontist for the last 7 years. The first year, I received a bill and made payments. Since then, I’ve continued seeing him regularly and never received a bill, despite annual requests for a bill (to use my healthcare reimbursement money). Last week I received a bill for $20,000, with a balance forward of $18,274.67, even though I have never received any prior bills. Is a doctor required to bill you at the time of service?
Asked on September 16, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Connecticut
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
There is a statute of limitations. Typically, for a contract (for providing services), it's either 3 years or 6 years, depending on whether it was an oral contract or a written one. However, there are circumstances that "toll," or extend, how long someone has to collect, on one circumstance could be when there was a course of treatment or service which just ended. In that situation, it may be the case that the statute of limitations runs from the end of the services or treatment when it's finally due.
You should consult with an attorney to see what the case is here, on all the specific facts of your circumstances; also, whether you might have a claim that the periodontist has someone defrauded you by not telling in earlier or upfront how much you would be billed.
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