Upon check-in.  Prior to the delivery of any care, all patients must complete a Billing Information Sheet and Medical History Form.  Whenever possible, we will mail these forms to you prior to your scheduled visit so that you may complete them at home.  Our sign-in sheet includes a variety of authorizations and approvals regarding the accuracy of the information on the forms you have supplied. Signing in at the office means that you have read our forms and policies  and allows us to share your information with our billing company and the persons you have indicated who can discuss your information according to HIPAA regulations. After signing in, please present your insurance card(s) and written referral when required by your managed care plan.  Your cooperation will facilitate processing of your claim.

Participating providers.  ENT and Allergy Associates participate in many managed care plans.  However, it remains your responsibility to verify that the plan includes our physicians and that you have a valid referral.

Co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles.  Health insurance and managed care plans have evolved into a myriad of products, many of which include patient responsibility for a portion of the cost of care provided.  Co-payments are that amount that your policy requires us to collect with each office visit.  Co-insurance is that percentage of the bill that is your financial responsibility.  Deductible is the total amount that your policy requires you to pay before they will pay claims on your behalf.  We will try to identify for you that portion for which you are responsible at the time of your visit.  It is our policy to collect these amounts at the time services are rendered. 

Non-covered services.  Non-covered services are those that your plan does not include in your benefit package.  Often, this is defined clearly by your plan, e.g., cosmetic surgery.  When identified, payment for such services may be collected when the service is scheduled.

Commercial Insurance. If you have an indemnity insurance policy or are using your out-of-network option within your managed care plan, we will be happy to submit your bill on your behalf.  The responsibility for payment for the services rendered remains yours, and you will be receiving statements from us to that effect.  If the carrier should direct payment to you, your immediate remittance and a copy of the carrier's explanation of benefits will be expected.  If your health plan delays payment beyond 60 days we will transfer the balance to your personal responsibility.  Under such circumstances, we will support your efforts to receive proper reimbursement from your plan.