Insurance Information
Office Visits
In order to keep the costs of medical care low, we ask that you please pay for office visits, hearing tests, etc. at the time the service is received. Patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or Managed Care pay in accordance with the laws or contracts governing those plans. It is the patient’s responsibility to bring to our office his/her insurance card and insurance information.
While we are happy to help you receive the maximum benefits allowed by your insurance carrier, bear in mind that it is your responsibility to pay as a deposit any deductible, coinsurance or other balance not paid by your insurance company prior to receiving services. Even though we assist you in receiving reimbursement from your insurance company, please understand that you, the patient, ultimately have the final responsibility for your bill.
Insurance Inquiries
If you have no insurance and need help, our Business Office personnel in Vancouver, Washington can be reached at 360-449-6616 or in Longview, Washington at 360-636-4469 to help you work out an agreeable payment program.
Insurance Company Requirements
We bill almost all insurance companies, but we cannot bill without a copy of your insurance card. Please bring your card with you to your appointment. If your plan requires a referral from your primary care physician, we will need it at the time your appointment is made. Any co-pay must be paid at the time of visit. It is your responsibility to know your insurance requirements and conditions for hospital or ambulatory surgery center admission. As a service to you, we preauthorize every surgery with your insurance company.
Traditional Indemnity Plans
You are responsible for payment of your bill; however, as a service to you, we will bill your insurance company directly. You will receive an itemized statement following any service that we provide. Subsequent monthly statements will be “Balance Forward” statements.
HMO and PPO Insurance Plans
We will bill your HMO and PPO plan directly; however, co-payments are due at time of visit (per your employer contract). In the case of HMO’s, a referral from your primary care provider prior to your visit with our doctors is required. Without a referral or the appropriate insurance card, you will be asked to sign a disclaimer for the payment of the bill.
Medicare
Medicare requires that we bill directly for all of our services. You are responsible for 20% of the Medicare allowable. As a service to our patients, we will bill your secondary insurance.