Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New Hampshire

Can my regular dentist office refuse emergency treatment in New Hampshire because of an outstanding balance? The dentist has sent $585 to collection. One 2/12 I cracked a tooth and was

in extreme pain, called the office and the answering service had the dentist call me, which he ordered an antibiotic and a pain killer, said call the office on Monday and we will take care of it. On Monday 2/14 I called the office spoke to Brenda said sorry we can not take care of you. Your account has been sent to collections. We have a policy that anyone's account who goes to collections can not be treated. WHAT? Ouch very sore here. I said then what can I do, she said try another dentist. I asked for names and she gave me two and said sorry and then hung up. This is an emergency and I am/was?? a regular patient. This dentist office has been my dentist going back many many years. I as even willing to pay cash to fix my pain, plus I still have the same insurance I have had for the last 8 years. Please can they do this to me, and I am still looking for an emergency dentist locally.


Asked on 2/14/11, 6:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Myers Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers

Outside of an actual emergency room setting in a life threatening context, or once a procedure has commenced, no medical care provider has an affirmative duty to provide services. So, a doctor or a dentist may in fact deny services.

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Answered on 2/21/11, 3:21 am


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