Appointments

Out of necessity we must work by appointment. Please try to schedule your appointment as far in advance as possible so we may offer you the most convenient time. When you call for an appointment please provide the receptionist with the nature of your problem. This is important in order to allow us to give priority to your needs and to reserve sufficient time for your visit. If you feel uncomfortable discussing your medical needs with the receptionist, ask to speak to your physician's nurse. Please do not ask for the nurse to schedule routing appointments.

We ask you to do your best to be on time for your appointment. If you need to change or cancel your appointment for any reason, please notify us as early as possible.

Emergencies

Emergencies and acute illnesses are a priority and will be seen regardless of our schedule. This can sometimes cause our physicians to be late for appointments. We will make every effort to stay on schedule but if an emergency occurs we ask that you understand, we will try to notify you of the delay if time allows.

First Visit

On your first visit we ask you please bring the following items with you:

• Your insurance card(s) - Payment is required at time of service if cards are not presented.
• Your health history including medical conditions, prior surgeries and a list of any medications you are currently taking (include prescription and non-prescription)
• Results of any tests (labs or x-rays) you have had pertaining to the condition you are coming in for. If you are unable to obtain the results please be prepared to give the name of the facility the test was performed at as well as the date performed.

Billing, Collection, and Insurance

We recognize the need for a definite understanding between the patient and their doctor regarding financial arrangements of medical and surgical care. We ask our patients to be prepared to pay at the time of service. The receipt you receive will provide you with all the information you need to file your claims with your insurance carrier. If you anticipate a large bill, a payment schedule with our financial manager can be arranged.

If you are not a Medicare patient or a member of a managed care group with which we participate, you must direct your questions concerning claim payment to your insurance company.

HMO patients are responsible for obtaining a referral from the primary are physician. You can be seen at your request without a referral after signing a Statement of Financial Responsibility.

We participate in most of the areas PPOs, HMOs and managed care programs as well as Medicare. Please check with our office to see if we are affiliated with your plan.

Hospital Services/Surgery

Our office will automatically file these charges with your insurance carrier. You will be responsible for any deductibles, co-payment and/or unpaid balance not covered by your insurance carrier.

You may receive additional charges from other physicians for lab work, x-ray, anesthesia, assistant surgical fees, consultation and/or other services. These charges are not related to our fees and should be paid, or questions directed to the appropriate party,

Hospital Privileges

Our physicians have privilges with the following hospitals:

• Baton Rouge General Medical Center - Mid-City and Bluebonnet
• Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
• Surgical Specialty Centre
• Woman's Hospital
• Riverview and Riverwest Hospitals (Dr. Hastings)
• Lane Memorial Hospital (Drs. Blue, Grissom and Taylor)
• Point Coupee General Hospital (Dr. Wexler)

Prescriptions

Please call for prescription refills during office hours or have your pharmacy fax a request for refill to our office.