Office Policies
Office Visits
Due to frequent changes in healthcare insurance coverage, we require that you provide proof of insurance at EACH visit.
We strive to see you as close as possible to your scheduled time. Yet, as a surgical practice that deals with sensitive issues, there are times when unforeseen situations do arise. A patient may require additional time and personalized care, or an emergency may occur in the hospital that requires our immediate service. If these situations do arise, we ask for your patience and understanding. You may also reschedule your appointment, if you so desire.
Cancellations
You may cancel an appointment more than 1 FULL BUSINESS DAY in advance.
- Failure to keep a scheduled office appointment or cancel in advance will result in a $50 charge to your account.
- Failure to show for a surgical procedure or cancel in advance will result in a $200 charge to your account.
- Three missed appointments or late cancellations may result in dismissal from the practice.
It is your responsibility to remember all your appointment dates and times. If you forget, you can always call our office to find out your next scheduled appointment.
Results
All results (laboratory, imaging, pathology) are given and discussed in person during an office visit. Results are not given over the phone.
Refills
Requests for medication refills will be completed in as timely a fashion as possible, and usually require 1 business day.
Prior Authorization for Medications
Insurance companies are making it increasingly difficult to prescribe the medications that we think would benefit you most, or the one(s) you may have requested. They often require a lengthy approval process. This can take hours, or even days! The paperwork required, or time on the telephone, can overwhelm the capacity of our office staff. The companies typically have a list of preferred medications that may be generic or an alternative that they have negotiated to purchase at a cheaper rate. Generic alternatives have been approved for use by the FDA and are almost uniformly as safe and effective as the brand name choices.
It has become very difficult, and sometimes impossible, for us to go through the lengthy process of negotiating with the insurance companies on behalf of all of the many prescriptions we write everyday.
Whenever possible, we will do what we can to advocate on your behalf for the medicine(s) we think are the best fit for you, or the one(s) you may have requested. However, there will be times when the insurance companies simply put up road blocks that we cannot overcome. Under these circumstances, our options are limited to prescribing a generic alternative, or for the patient to pay the full price for the original prescription. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
