34. Fees

Question 1

Establishing a type of fee at the beginning, prior to a client starting treatment

Answer 1

Setting Fee

Question 2

Ethically, a type of fee used if a client comes to see a SW and they a stressful situation or crisis happen, a SW should then consider the client’s inability to pay

Answer 2

Lowering Fee

Question 3

The use of a different form of payment outside of normal money

This form of payment is not typical. However, under the COE, the SW should never initiate this as it has to come from client

It is only acceptable in the cultural norm of the community in exchange for goods

Answer 3

Bartering

Question 4

Reducing Co-payments:

Answer 4

If a client has insurance that requires a co-payment and they cannot pay it in full and the SW ends up lowering the fee, then the SW is responsible for informing the insurance

If a client has not paid their balance, a SW is allowed to terminate the client, but must always assess for risk (especially in crisis situations and suicide)

A SW cannot get paid for referrals for other agencies as it becomes a conflict of interest and it is unethical