Dentist extracts payment from former patient
November 3, 2008 by Shane BorerPosted in: "Would you want this person in Finance?", Contract disputes, In this week's e-newsletter, Insurance, Latest news & views
A quick note for your Receivables team: Don’t ever take things this far.
After one dentist from the Bavarian town of Neu-Ulm implanted about $450 worth of bridges and crowns into a patient, he expected payment — like any businessperson would.
But when the patient failed to pay the bill as promptly as the dentist wanted her to, he did something most businesspeople in his profession wouldn’t consider — he decided to take back his materials. He arrived at the door of the 35-year-old-woman with medical instruments, entered her apartment and performed the unwanted surgery, all without saying a word.
Once he’d collected the bridges, the woman showed up at the police station in a great amount of pain.
A police spokesperson said even though the unnamed dentist has not been arrested, he is currently under investigation for theft and assault. If convicted, he faces discipline from his health insurance company and dental association, both of which could shut down his practice.
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Tags: Dentist, Health insurance, Police, Receivables
November 7th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
So I am supposed to believe that this woman let this dentist into her house, and just sat there and let this dentist take the bridges out of her mouth? I find this hard to believe.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
No, the woman did not let the dentist in. That’s where the police charge for assault comes in.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
But under no means should be be charged with theft. She’s the one who refused to pay for the service and merchandise she received.
If you go into a shoe store and the salesperson puts new shoes on your feet, does that give you the right to walk out of the store without paying for them? That’s essentially what this woman did.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
This story is HILARIOUS. I am sitting here at my desk laughing at this. I can just imagine what went on inside that house…
Doctor: “I’ve come to git my bridgework, you bi—!”
Patient: “Please, don’t take them out, I can pay you next week!!”
Doctor: “I cannot wait that long… and who’s to say… You may skip town and use them to eat some expensive food, whereas you could pay me and eat some Ramen Noodles instead! I want my bridgework NOW!!!!”