What happens when there is an insurance verification error?

What happens when a team member makes an insurance verification “mistake” or the information provided was inaccurate?

Now the patient has a balance.

Who pays?

The practice? The team member? The patient? Does it depend?

I had a call with one of our doctors around this specific issue.

(Note: We found that for this particular practice the data showed less that one half of one percent resulted in a verification “error” of that particular professional)

A few notes: The office bills as a courtesy on behalf of the patient.

Did the dental industry get it wrong when created an environment that makes it appear the office should be experts in the insurance space?

One Dr. mentioned “It should really be the patient that is to “blame”. After all, they should be the one that really knows their insurance- in and out. Why should we be penalized because the patient doesn’t know their insurance?”

Has this happened in your practice? How would you respond? Would love to hear thoughts!