Insurance and Payment Policies

General note to patients

We work hard to keep our practice, your medical home, a place you can count on for excellent and compassionate health care. We are often asked how we are able to avoid double booking, spend so much time with our patients, maintain a superior staff, and practice in the style which we do. The answer is simple. We make careful choices as to what insurances we take, what services we include, and what services we charge for.

We are doing everything possible to hold down the cost of providing medical care. Please understand that our policies help keep our business running smoothly so we can focus on the business of taking good care of you and your family.

Insurance

Your insurance policy is a legal contract between you, your employer and the insurance company.  We are not a party to that contract.  As a medical care provider, our relationship is directly with the patient, not any insurance company. 

Every health plan has different benefits, coverage, and costs.  Please read your policy carefully.  Some insurance companies arbitrarily select certain services they will not cover or they may set maximum limits on what they will pay.  It is your responsibility to know and understand what your plan does and does not cover, including any deductibles or co-payment amounts that you are expected to pay at the time of service. 

While the filing of insurance claims is a courtesy that we extend to our patients, any fees not covered by insurance are the responsibility of the patient.  You are expected to pay your deductible and copayments at the time of service.  If your insurance plan does not cover a particular service, procedure, medication or test, then you are responsible for those charges.  If we have not received payment from your insurance company within 30 days of the date of service, you will be expected to pay the balance in full.

Payment Policy

ALL PAYMENT IS EXPECTED AT THE TIME OF SERVICE

Charges for office visits are due in full at the time of service.  If we are able to verify insurance coverage, we will bill your insurance company.  However, any co-payments or deductibles required by your plan are due at the time of service. 

We accept payment by cash, check, or MasterCard/VISA.  There is a service charge for returned checks. Patients with an outstanding balance more than 45 days overdue must make arrangements for payment prior to scheduling appointments. 

We realize that temporary financial difficulties arise; you are encouraged to contact us promptly for assistance in the management of your account. 

Self-Pay Patients

All cash patients and patients who present without valid insurance information are considered Self-Pay Patients. 

All Self-Pay Patients are required to make a deposit of $60.00 at the time of service.  Please be prepared to make this payment with the front desk personnel when you check in. 

Should you have insurance but are unable to provide verifying information at the time of your visit, you can later fax or bring in a copy of the front and back of your insurance card.  We will issue a refund check when payment is received from your insurance company. 

Managed Care (HMO, Tricare)

If you are enrolled in a managed care insurance plan, you must receive a referral from our office before seeing a specialist.  We will not provide retroactive or backdated referrals under any circumstances.