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About Us - How Our Office Works
Regarding Insurance
We do request that
patients covered by an HMO/PPO obtain a referral/authorization before
their first visit. Due to the many variables in insurance policies, it
is no longer an easy task
to
interpret
each
individual policy. Although we try to stay abreast of the insurance industry,
it is not always possible. Therefore, we urge you to please
check with your insurance company prior to any treatment. It is your
responsibility to know your individual coverage. Please remember your
insurance policy is between you and your insurance company. Please understand
that payment of your bill is considered part of your treatment. We do
submit claims for all insurance carriers as a courtesy to you.
Referrals
We do require that
HMO/PPO patients obtain a referral/authorization form be provided at
the time of your appointment. You should be prepared
to pay your co-pay at the time of your visit. In order to file your claim
for worker's compensation or auto accident, we must have written acknowledgment
from the responsible party in advance for treatment and payment. Worker's
compensation patients must include both the employer and the insurance
company's names and addresses. Failure to bring a letter will result
in your appointment being rescheduled, or payment will be required at
the time of the visit.
X-Ray Services
We have on-site x-ray
services available to assist in your care. If you have had recent x-rays
for your orthopedic problem, please bring them with you.
Emergency
Care
Our physicians
rotate "on-call" coverage after hours and on weekends.
If you have a medical concern
after hours and the situation is not severe, but you feel it is necessary
to contact your doctor, please telephone the office. The doctor will
be in touch with you either directly or through office personnel.
In the event of a severe situation, go immediately to the emergency
room at Ingham Regional Medical Center or Sparrow Hospital or call
911.
Telephone
Calls
All
patients are encouraged to call with any questions they have concerning
their medical problem. However, it would be unfair to the patients in
the office if the doctor were to stop and answer every telephone call.
The staff will relay your information to the doctor, and your call will
be returned as soon as possible. If there is an emergency, a physician
will be contacted immediately. If you find it necessary to contact the
doctor after normal hours, the answering service will forward all messages
to your doctor or to the physician on call. Your call will be returned
at the earliest opportunity.
Prescriptions
and Refills
Please speak
with your physician at the time of your office visit concerning
the need for prescriptions or refills. If you need a prescription,
you must contact our office by 12:00 noon. This will allow sufficient
time to have your request processed. Requests called to the office
after noon may not be processed until the following business day.
Please do not call after 5:00 p.m. or on weekends because our "on
call" physician does not have immediate access to your medical
records and will not be able to prescribe a refill. Refills will
not be
given if you have not seen the doctor in the last 6 months.
Fees
Charges for office
visits are determined by the amount of time spent and vary with the
complexity of the problem. We require payment in full on the day of
your visit. For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks,Visa
and Mastercard. Payment plans can be arranged prior the date of surgery.
Statements
As long as there
is a balance on your account, you will receive a statement, regardless
of your insurance status. If you have any questions about your statement
or insurance, please call our billing department at 517-393-2652 or
517-393-2694.
Disability/
Work Status
Your disability/work
status should be discussed with your physician at the time of your
office visit. An off work or return to work form can then be obtained
from the receptionist as you are checking out.
Medical Records
and X-Rays
You may request
your medical records and x-rays. However, since medical records are
held in strict confidence we require a written request from you authorizing
the release of medical information. Patient requests require 24 to
48 hours to process.