patient information
Financial Policy
Insurance
Our office takes most insurance plans. Please see our “accepted insurance” list. We will happily file your medical claim with your insurance company. We require all insurance information to be provided at the time of your visit. It is therefore necessary for us to have a current copy of your insurance card for accurate billing. Please bring you insurance card to all doctors appointments. Our office will verify your insurance benefits, however it is recommended that you educate yourself about your individual benefits by contacting your insurance company before scheduling an appointment. It is required by law that we hold you responsible for your portion of the charges, including copayments and deductibles, at the time of service. If your insurance company has not paid a claim within 60 days, you may receive notification in the mail requesting your assistance in determining if there is a problem or if additional information is required in processing the claim. The patient is ultimately responsible for all professional fees.
Medicare Patients
Medicare pays us directly for your care if it is predetermined that it is medically necessary. Medicare pays 80% of the bill. You are responsible for the annual Medicare deductible ($155 in 2010), unless your secondary insurance covers it. You are also responsible for any deductible and co-insurance of your secondary policy. If you do not have secondary insurance to Medicare, you will be responsible for the remaining 20% Medicare has not covered.
Non-Covered Services
There are a number of services we provide that are typically considered “cosmetic” by your insurance company. For example, removal of some normal growths such as seborrheic keratosis are not routinely covered by health insurance plans. Other services considered not medically necessary are Botox, fillers, chemical peels, and sclerotherapy. Full payment for all non-covered services must be made at the time of your visit.
Referrals
Generally, in the state of Florida, referrals are not usually required. If your insurance company does require a referral, our office will alert you of this and help you obtain a correct and current referral for office visits, and procedures. You must provide our office with the name of your primary care provider and phone/fax number to help expedite the process. We must receive the referral to our office prior to the day of your appointment.
Labs for biopsies and blood work
Our office has created a list of which labs accept which insurances; however, it is ultimately the patient's responsibility to make us aware if your insurance carrier requires you to use a specific lab. A copy of your insurance card with the specimen will be sent to an outside facility. These charges are billed directly from the lab itself and are separate from our office charges.
Self Pay
If there is any concern regarding the charges for today’s visit, please ask for an estimate. Every patient has individualized treatment and cost may vary depending on your particular situation. It is recommended that you ask prior to the visit rather than after services are rendered.
Payment is due at the time of services rendered unless prior arrangements have been made with the office.
For your convenience, we accept cash, checks and Master Card, Visa and Discover.