There is a lot of misunderstanding regarding the policies required by managed care companies for services provided. Contrasting most conventional or indemnity insurance plans, managed care companies require authorization for a visit to the physician's office and, additionally, pre-certification for a procedure that you may need. Some insurance companies provide the patient with written authorization for his/her visit and others merely provide the patient an authorization number.

Authorization does not provide a patient with the necessary approval to undergo a procedure; it simply means you have authorization to visit a specialist for consultation and/or an office visit. It may be required to acquire authorization each and every time you visit this office. This varies depending on insurance carrier. The majority of the procedures performed in this office involve pre-certification. This means at the time of your consultation visit, you may have to revisit at another day or time for the suggested procedure when proper certification is obtained.

Authorization and pre-certification varies from company to company. In most cases, pre-certification can be obtained by calling the insurance company. Some insurance companies, however, want written documentation for a procedure for review by a specialist, medical director, clerk or panel of various professional and nonprofessional individuals. This can occasionally take one or two weeks. We are frequently asked to present photographs and number of treatments determined; once more the pre-certification is postponed.

Our billing staff is knowledgeable and well qualified in obtaining pre-certification and authorization. Please keep in mind that this process is lengthy. It is often helpful for the patient to call his/her insurance company to help accelerate the process.

We strive to make our procedures affordable to our patients and offer a finance package. The finance package offers low monthly payments on any cosmetic procedures. Please inquire with our patient coordinator for details on how to finance your procedure.

REGARDING ALL INSURANCES

The balance of your bill is your responsibility whether your insurance company pays or not. Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. We are not a party of that contract. If your insurance company has not paid your account within 45 days, the balance will be your responsibility. Please be aware that some of the services that may be provided are not considered reasonable and necessary under the Medicare Program and/or other Medical Insurance.

COSMETIC PROCEDURES

Payment for cosmetic procedures is due the day of treatment. Payment for cosmetic surgery is due 10 business days before the scheduled date of surgery.