Billing

Our Promise: Upfront Good Faith Estimates and No Surprise Bills

We are firmly committed to ensuring you never receive a surprise bill from us. As a self-pay patient, we understand the importance of transparency and clarity regarding your charges. In compliance with the No Surprises Act, we will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate in writing before any services are rendered. This estimate will outline the expected costs of your care, allowing you to review and understand your financial obligations upfront. Once you make the payment as per the good faith estimate you will have the confidence and peace of mind to know you will not receive unexpected financial surprises from us.

Are There Any Exceptions I Should Be Aware Of?

After you review our Good Faith Estimate and make a payment based on it, you are covered for treatment explicitly specified in that estimate. For example, if your Good Faith Estimate covers the cost of a colonoscopy you will not receive any further bills for that procedure from us. But, if you decide to also get an upper endoscopy, we will first ensure it is medically necessary. If so, you will receive a separate Good Faith Estimate for the upper endoscopy, giving you the choice to proceed or not.

Another situation might arise if an abnormal finding, such as cancer, is discovered during your procedure. In such cases, we will need to refer you to one or more specialists who will charge separately for their services. Additionally, if a complication occurs during your procedure, requiring you to visit the emergency room or undergo additional tests like a CT scan, these costs will not be covered by the initial Good Faith Estimate we provide you. However, these additional bills will not come from us.  Whoever actually provides these services will bill you.

Understanding the Difference Between a Good Faith Estimate and Informed Consent

A Good Faith Estimate provides an upfront, written estimate of the expected costs for your medical treatment. This estimate is designed to give you a clear understanding of your financial responsibilities before receiving care, ensuring transparency and helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare expenses.

Informed Consent is a separate process that involves obtaining your permission before proceeding with any medical treatment or procedure. It includes a detailed explanation of the proposed treatment, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives. By signing an informed consent document, you acknowledge that you understand the information provided and agree to proceed with the treatment.  You will be asked to sign an informed consent for procedures.  Make sure to always read, ask questions and sign only after you are completely sure to move forward.

In summary, a Good Faith Estimate focuses on the financial aspects of your care, while Informed Consent ensures you are fully aware of and agree to the medical procedures and their potential outcomes. Both are essential components of patient-centered care, promoting transparency and informed decision-making.

Why Do We Not Accept Insurance

We want to provide the best care for you, the patient, without being influenced by third parties focused on saving money.

The insurance landscape has changed significantly in recent years. While the cost of buying insurance has increased, many insurance companies now use fine print to limit coverage. Additionally, they shift more costs to you through copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some insurances exclude certain hospitals and doctors from their “in-network” providers, and even in-network providers face obstacles like prior authorizations.

However, if you have insurance through your employer or another source, don’t worry. Our friendly staff can recommend a sister facility or a doctor who accepts your insurance. You can also ask your primary care doctor or insurance company to refer you to a doctor within your insurance network, allowing you to take full advantage of the premiums you pay for your insurance.

What Forms of Payment Do We Accept?

We offer a variety of payment methods for your convenience, including:

• Credit and Debit Cards: We accept all major credit and debit cards.
• Checks: Only cashier’s checks are accepted; personal checks are not.
• Cash: Payments in cash are welcome.
• Electronic Payments: We accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, Square, Zelle, Venmo, and more.
• Other: Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), and other debit cards are accepted (please know your PIN).

If you have any questions or need assistance with your payment, our friendly staff is here to help.

If I Can’t Pay All at Once, Do You Offer Payment Plans?

Yes, we understand that paying for medical treatments all at once can be challenging. That’s why we’ve partnered with CareCredit™ to offer flexible payment options. CareCredit™ provides financing solutions to help you get the treatment you need.

You can visit their website at CareCredit to check if you qualify. Once approved, CareCredit will pay us directly, and you’ll make monthly payments to them, including any applicable interest. CareCredit™ is widely accepted at many medical establishments, making it a convenient option for managing your healthcare expenses.

If you have any questions, our staff is here to assist you!