Q: Dr. M I just had a patient say they were going to cancel their check because they were dissatisfied with their services. I read somewhere that this is illegal, since they are paying me for my time. Perhaps this only applies to the state of California, but do you know anything about that or where I could confirm that? (these are people I went WAY out of my way for ) A: Thanks for the e-mail. This falls within the parameter of using sound judgment. Ižm sure you agree that your fees are to be paid and no one has the right to refuse payment or request a refund .. but in the world of business .. especially healthcare .. lawsuits based on miscommunications are rampant. Personally .. I would write this off and be done with it. You will find .. and it is mentioned prominently in my Smart Start Book and in my class lecture .. that the folks you go the extra yard for probably are the ones thatžll screw you. You go figure. So .. my advice is to write it off .. this patient is not cooperating and will have an ax to grind. It isnžt worth the negative thought and counter thoughts that may follow. Have a Great Day Dr. M