Callback Procedure
Please allow 1-2 business days for Suncoast Rheumatology to return any non-urgent telephone calls. Lab results and x-ray results will be discussed at follow-up appointments unless there is an abnormality, in which case you will receive a call from the provider or nurse.
After hours calls: If you have a medical emergency please call 911 or go to the emergency room. If you have a rheumatologic emergency that can not wait until we reopen, please select the option to call the answering service and leave a message for the doctor on call. Please do not leave non-emergency calls such as appointment changes or prescription refill requests on the after hours voicemail.
SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS
Please make sure your follow-up appointment is scheduled before leaving the office. You may also schedule appointments by calling the front office.
CANCELLING APPOINTMENTS
Appointments are confirmed at least 24 – 48 hours in advance. If you need to cancel your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours (48 hours for new patient appointments) prior to your appointment in order to allow another patient the opportunity for that appointment slot. There is a nation-wide shortage of Rheumatologists. A 4 month wait for a new patient appointment is not unusual. In order to enforce our cancellation policy, patients who do not show up for confirmed appointments will be assessed a $25 no-show fee. This fee is not covered by your medical insurance.
INSURANCE/REFERRALS
Suncoast Rheumatology welcomes new patients and accepts most insurances. Please inform us when your insurance changes.
If your insurance requires a referral from your Primary Care Physician, be advised that each patient is responsible to obtain this referral before their scheduled appointment, or we may need to reschedule the appointment. If a referral has expired, contact your Primary Care Physician for a new renewal before your next appointment.
BILLING
We realize your healthcare experience is not limited to just a visit here, but includes the billing process as well. We are committed to providing you the best care possible and keeping you informed about the charges for services and your obligations.
OUR STAFF IS HERE TO HELP YOU WITH:
ABOUT US
•We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or Cash.
•We are happy to file insurance claims for you upon receipt of your insurance information.
•We realize that temporary financial problems may affect timely payment of your account. If such problems do arise, we encourage you to contact us promptly for assistance in helping manage your account.
PAYMENT AT TIME OF SERVICE
Depending on your insurance coverage, there will be a portion of your fees due at the time of service
•A co-pay is a fixed amount you pay for a health care service and may be required by your insurance or managed care organization. We will require you to pay your co-pay prior to, or at time of service. This is a requirement which allows us to accept your insurance. We cannot waive a co-pay for your visit.
•Some insurance plans require a co-insurance payment. This is your share of the costs of a health care service, usually expressed as a percentage of the total charges. We may require all or a portion of your co-insurance at the time of service.
•Some insurance plans require a deductible that you pay for health care services before your health insurance begins to pay. We may require you to pay all or a portion of this at the time of service. Please understand that most insurances have deductibles that reset annually.
ABOUT OUR FEES
The fees charged by Suncoast Rheuamtology were developed by competitive market analysis in combination with current Medicare and commercial insurance reimbursement schedules as per AARA.
ABOUT PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
As the patient, you are ultimately responsible for payment of all fees and charges that occur as a result of your treatment. This includes any charges for late payments, collections, returned checks, or no-show fees.
You have an obligation to pay the charges that are not covered by your insurance carrier. Please verify insurance benefits prior to any procedure and provide us with your current insurance information.
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
Your insurance company may require you to obtain Prior Authorization for treatment or an office visit.
Medicare Assignment
We accept Medicare assignment which means we accept the Medicare fee schedule. This is subject to change in the future. We will file your Medicare insurance as well as your secondary insurances. You are responsible for Medicare deductible and co-pays according to federal law.
MONTHLY STATEMENTS
When you receive your statement, one set of charges could be processed and paid on by your insurance company. But the other set of charges could still be pending insurance payment. These charges will be under the Insurance Pending column of your billing statement. Once your insurance company processes the pending charges they will show up on your next month billing statement under Patient Responsibility. If you have questions please contact us.
You will receive a monthly statement from us for any remaining balance after your insurance processes your claim. Your payment is kindly expected within 20 days of receipt of this statement.
REQUEST FOR MEDICAL RECORDS
We will gladly forward your medical records to your doctor. You may be asked to sign a medical records authorization form. Copy charges will apply for personal records requests.