OFFICE POLICIES AND FEES
Our practice is committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. For us to operate effectively and provide the best service to you, we need your cooperation with the following policies. It is also important to us that you understand the costs associated with your care. By informing you of our expectations, we hope to alleviate any misunderstanding or disagreement concerning your responsibilities. Your understanding of these policies is very important. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
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CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
All patients requiring long term use of controlled substances will be referred to Pain management, physical therapy and psychiatrist clinics as they would require multidisciplinary approaches for their care. We do not treat drug addiction/withdrawal related illnesses. We do not prescribe controlled substances at your first office visit and will refer you to specialist clinics as necessary. Please make sure you have adequate refills of your controlled medications prior to scheduling your appointments.
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ANNUAL EXAM
An annual exam is required once yearly for all our patients. The annual exam is a designated time to review all problems, medications and ensure that all health maintainance requirements including cancer screening and other preventive measures are up to date. Your annual exam is also required for completion of well visit forms for insurance and work related purposes.
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APPOINTMENTS & NO SHOW POLICY
We make every effort to provide prompt medical care to all of our patients. If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please let us know in advance. A NO SHOW is when a patient fails to keep a scheduled appointment. A NO SHOW will generate a $50 fee and three no shows may require that you seek your medical care elsewhere.
If you are delayed and cannot make an appointment on time, please call to advise us of your situation and provide an estimated time of arrival. Any significant delay may require the visit to be rescheduled.
In general, we do not recommend combining your PHYSICAL visits with PROBLEM visits at the same time since your insurance often may not pay for both.
Due to the current nature of insurance-based medical practices, we also ask that you limit your visit to 1 TO 2 PROBLEMS only. Should you have more medical issues that need to be addressed, please inform our staff when calling for appointments, and we will schedule more time for you accordingly. Your providers may also have you return for follow-up visits in order to address your additional medical concerns.
MEDICAL/LEGAL PROTOCOLS
The following are known reportable events in the State of Arizona:
- Animal bites
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Adult abuse
Please note that we do not need a patient’s permission to report these reportable events. Reportable events are not contingent on if you are seen, but instead each is a medical and legal obligation to report.
FEES
LABORATORY FEE
The laboratory company will bill all laboratory fees directly to you and your insurance company.
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Insurance and Payment Policy
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Proof of Insurance. We ask that you present your insurance card to us at every visit. If you fail to provide us with the correct insurance information at each visit, you may be responsible for payment for all services provided.
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If your insurance company requires you to pick a Primary Care Physician (PCP), one of our physicians must be the PCP listed on your insurance card. Please confirm that your PCP has been changed before scheduling your appointment.
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We are contracted with most insurance plans. If you are not insured by a plan we are contracted with, payment in full is expected at the time of service. If you are insured by a plan we are contracted with but don't have an up-to-date insurance card, payment in full for each visit is required until we can verify your coverage.
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Your health insurance contract is between you and your insurance company. Knowing your insurance benefits is your responsibility. Any questions or complaints regarding your coverage should be directed to your insurance carrier.
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It is your responsibility to make sure that our providers are within your network prior to scheduling and confirming your appointment with us.
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Co-Payments. Your insurance company requires us to collect co-payments at the time of service. Waiver of co-payments may constitute fraud under state and federal law. Please help us in upholding the law by paying your co-payment at each visit.
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Non-covered Services. Please be aware that some or all of the services you receive may be noncovered or not considered necessary by your insurer. You will be required to pay for these services in full.
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Claims Submission. We will submit your claims and assist you in any way we reasonably can to help get your claims paid. Your insurance company may need you to supply certain information directly. It is your responsibility to comply with their request.
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If you do not pay the entire balance within thirty days (30) of the monthly billing date, a late charge of 18% on the balance then unpaid and owed may be assessed each month. (unless prohibited by your health insurance contract with us).
In the case of default on payment of your account, you agree to pay collection costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred in attempting to collect costs on this amount or any future outstanding account balances.
LABORATORY REPORTS
We do not discuss your laboratory and imaging reports over the phone. Our providers will discuss your reports during your visit. You can access and print your reports easily from your patient portal. Copies can also be requested from the laboratory or imaging office.
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PRESCRIPTION REFILLS
Please have your pharmacy send an electronic refill request to the provider or fax your refill request to (602-714-8114). In most cases, expired prescriptions can also be refilled in this manner, provided you are up to date on required exams and laboratory testing. It is recommended that you schedule a routine follow-up visit at least every 6 months, depending on your medical needs. Refills will therefore be provided in general for up to your follow up date. Refills of prescription medications that fall under the general category of controlled substances will require monthly visit.
Please be aware that refills may take up to 72 hours to process, so please plan accordingly. Your refill request may be denied should you fail to comply with our policy.
COURTESY
We strive to provide the best medical care for our patients. We also make every effort to provide prompt and courteous service. If you have any suggestions or complaints about our office or our staff, please let us know immediately. Patient satisfaction is very important to us. However, angry or foul language directed at our staff, regardless of the issues involved will not be tolerated and may be grounds for immediate dismissal from our practice.
DISABILITY FORMS AND LETTERS
We do not complete or perform Long-term disability or Social Security forms and evaluations. For FMLA and Short-Term disability, appointments need to be scheduled, at which time our providers may refer you to appropriate specialists for further evaluation and management.
There will be a charge for any letter written or documents completed, not related to a scheduled office visit by our provider on behalf of a patient. Please request your letters at least 5 business days in advance.
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