Policies

Appointments

  • Our office operates on an appointment only basis. We do not accept walk-in patients of any kind.
  • We ask that you do not bring family members experiencing pain problems to your appointment to be seen, unless they also have a scheduled appointment.
  • Every effort will be made to work in an emergent appointment into a full schedule with the doctor’s approval.
  • If you have not been seen within 3 years, you will require a new patient appointment.

Cancellations & No Shows

  • Our office will assess a  $25.00 charge for each patient who does not call our office to cancel an appointment for an OFFICE VISIT at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Our office will assess a $50.00 charge for each patient who does not call our office to cancel an EEG/EMG appointment at least 24 hours in advance.

This courtesy allows us to be of service to other patients who are in need of our care.

  • Appointment reminder calls are provided as a courtesy and are not required. It is your responsibility to be here on time for your appointments.
  • If late by 10 minutes or more, you will be required to re-schedule your appointment.

Contacting your Doctor

  • Our Medical Assistants are available to assist you in communicating medical issues with your physician. They are pleased to relate questions regarding medications, symptoms and treatments. They will make every effort to return your call the same day.
  • This is the best way to take care of a problem quickly, though it may ultimately require an office visit. Our physicians will not take calls from patients while in consultation.

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Our medical assistant will assist in pre-authorizing all diagnostic procedures requested by our doctors.
  • Scheduling the procedure(s) is the responsibility of the patient.
  • Our office will provide you with contact information if requested.

Emergencies

  • Our office provides coverage 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. If you have an urgent problem, please call the office for instructions. If you call after normal working hours, our answering service will take a message and contact the on-call physician. Please try to keep your telephone line free when waiting for an emergency call back so that the on-call physician can reach you.

Insurance & Patient Payments

  • Our Office Manager assists patients in getting their claims paid at the highest benefits provided by their insurance carrier(s). You can contact our Office Manager regarding insurance questions, establishing a payment plan or a concern regarding service.
  • Our contracts with the insurance companies require us to collect your co-payment, patient percentage and/or deductible or your portion of the cost at the time of your visit. Please be prepared to pay this when you arrive for your appointment. For your convenience, we accept payments by cash, credit card or check.
  • Any outstanding balance will be collected in full upon check-in at the front desk, prior to your visit with the doctor. This will help facilitate your discharge from the office.
  • Self-pay patients (no insurance coverage), will be expected to pay for the office visit in full at the time of service, unless previous arrangements have been made with our Office Manager.
  • You must be prepared to provide your insurance card at every visit.
  • We will not become involved in disputes between you and your carrier.
  • In the event your insurance plan determines any service to be “not covered”, you will be responsible for the complete charge.
  • To make a payment by phone call our office at (409) 347-1600

Lab & Test Results

  • If any lab or test shows abnormal results that require immediate follow-up, your physician will contact you directly.

Our Front Desk

  • If any labs are requested by the doctor following your appointment, the front desk receptionist will assist you during check out.

Past Due Accounts

  • Our credit and collection policies are a necessary part of assuring the financial resources needed to sustain our practice.
  • Past due accounts (after 90 days) are referred to a collection agency.
  • For inquiries regarding payment arrangements call (409) 347-1600.
  • Failure to keep an account current through regular monthly payments may result in an additional charge to service the account and the denial of future credit.

Referrals

  • If you have an HMO or POS plan, please be sure to bring a referral or call our office to see if it has been sent by your primary care physician (PCP).
  • Patients not having a valid referral on file 24 hours of the appointment will have to be rescheduled.
  • Taking this step will also prevent your insurance from denying your claim.
  • If you are not sure you need a referral to see a specialist, please contact your insurance company.

Statements

  • Statements are mailed monthly to patients with remaining balances on their account
  • Full payment is due upon receipt of a statement
  • All outstanding balances must be paid prior to your next office visit, unless arrangements have been made with our Office Manager
  • Balances are considered Past Due after 30 days
  • We do accept payment by phone