Letter of ProtectionLOP
A signed promise from the patient's attorney that the provider will be paid out of the case settlement, used in place of (or alongside) a formal lien.
A Letter of Protection (LOP) is a written assurance — usually from the patient's personal injury attorney — that the provider's bills will be paid from the proceeds of the case. It functions much like a medical lien, giving the provider confidence to treat on a deferred-payment basis.
LOP vs. lien. A lien is a legal claim against the recovery; an LOP is a contractual promise, typically from the attorney, to honor that claim at settlement. Many practices use both: a patient-signed lien plus an attorney LOP for added protection.
Watch the details. An LOP that predates the date of loss, references the wrong matter, or lacks the attorney's signature and date can be challenged later. Refresh it at major case milestones.