I think the only way to get around that, is to charge in advance of care. I know it's not the norm in some markets, but in my area it's totally common. And the only way I would do it. We are in a tough spot when someone stiffs us; as we have already provided the service, and it's not a tangible product. Usually, the amount that we are out is not even worth going to small claims court, as most of us would lose money that way.
On that note, can you providers as a group, get together and sue them for monies owed?
That sucks.