Services | Financial Policy | Understanding Your Insurance
Internal Medicine a personal physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of infections and disease affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and digestive, respiratory and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine which incorporates and understanding of disease prevention, wellness and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system, and reproductive organs.
Rheumatology is a specialty of Internal Medicine that focuses on the treatment of diseases of joints, muscle, bones, and tendons. Rheumatologists diagnose and treat arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, common athletic injuries, and "collagen" diseases.
Lab – We have been providing laboratory services in our office for many years and we are able to perform many laboratory tests at the time of your visit. Our lab is certified by COLA, a national healthcare accreditation organization, and is staffed by highly trained technicians.
Radiology - We provide on-site x-ray services with a highly trained technician. Our radiology suite is registered with the Michigan Department of Community Health Radiation Safety. We are also pleased to announce our association with Radiology Consultants in Battle Creek for the reading of our films.
Bone Density, EKG, Pulmonary Function Testing and Remicade Infusions are some of the other services provided in our office.
Medication Refills – The most convenient way to address medication refills is during your appointment. Please bring all of your medication bottles with you to your appointment. If you need prescription refills between visits you may call our office and choose option 6 on the voice mail system to speak with a nurse. Please allow 24-working hours for your prescription to be approved by the provider and called to your pharmacy.
Confidentiality – Confidentiality of your patient medical record is a high priority at AIMS. Information concerning your care will only be released to individuals outside healthcare operations that have been named by you and listed in your patient record. If the person you previously listed has changed, please inform our staff immediately. If you have not listed anyone in your chart, we will not be able to release information to anyone else on your behalf. If you are not sure who is listed, one of our team members will be happy to check this information for you. For more information, please see our "Notice of Privacy Practices".
Associated Internal Medicine Specialists, P.C. Financial Policy
- Why our
policy is now in writing.
We value our relationship and wish to make our policy clear to enable us to work together more effectively.
- Patients
are responsible for the total charge.
You are responsible for the total charge of your visit. On your behalf, we will bill your insurance carrier and work with you in obtaining payment. However you must understand that you have a contract with your insurance carrier and we must abide by that contract and its terms including the collection of your co-pays and deductibles.
- Co-Payments
and Lab draw fees.
All co-pays and lab draw fees, that are not covered by insurance, are due at the time of service. A $2.00 surcharge will be charged if these services must be billed to you.
- Allowable
forms of payment.
Patient balances are due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, money order, charge cards and travelers checks.
- Self Pay
– No Insurance
Our billing office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 – 5:00. A Patient Accounts Representative is available to assist with payment arrangements and account information. If payment arrangements are necessary, you will need to call our business office prior to your visit and our usual standard is a $50.00 down payment with the balance to be paid in monthly installments not to exceed six months.
- NSF Checks
There is a $25.00 charge for NSF checks which will be added to your account upon receipt of the returned check.
- Broken
appointment policy.
We require a 24-hour notice to cancel an appointment to avoid a $25.00 broken visit charge. We have found that this policy has been effective in increasing communication which allows for us to use our appointment times to best suit our patient needs. New Patients that do not call to cancel an appointment will be required to pre-pay should another appointment be made.
- Filling
out additional forms.
Due to the amount of time the providers spend in filling out additional forms, we have found it necessary to implement a $10.00 charge payable in advance.
- Why we
need to update personal information files on each patient every year.
We are required by some government agencies to have personal information and insurance information updated each year. This also allows us to be more accurate in collecting from insurance companies on your behalf.
- Bills from
BCHS, Regional Laboratory or Radiology Consultants.
From time to time some of your ancillary services may be provided by another agency. Please visit with their insurance department to determine their financial policy as they are a separate entity from A.I.M.S.
- Workers
Compensation.
Our office does not accept or bill Workers Compensation. If you have been involved in a work related injury you may seek medical care from Occupation Medicine. You may also check with your employer to find out who your employers physician is. If you are treated by our office and then file a claim for Workers Compensation you will be responsible for payment in full for services we have provided.
- Referrals.
Some insurance companies require a referral for you to see our physician or for our physician to refer you somewhere else. Although we will make every attempt to assist our patients with these referrals, we can not and do not know all the policy requirements that may be in place with your particular plan and it is your responsibility to inform your provider or nurse of the needed referral.
Deductible
The amount a covered person must pay before the health plan will make
payment for eligible benefits.
Co-Pay or
Co-payment
A cost sharing in which you pay a specific amount, or fixed fee for a
specific service.
Prior Authorization
The process of obtaining approval in advance as to the payment for a health
care service or medication. This usually requires a call to the insurance
company. Your insurance policy will instruct you how to handle this and
whom to call.
We
welcome the opportunity to discuss any aspect of our financial policy.
Our insurance team is here for you Monday – Friday 8:00 –
5:00
(269) 979-6333 Choose option 5
Ask us – we can help!
PPO
(Preferred Provider Organization)
A Health plan that allows the covered person to choose to receive health
care services from participating (preferred) or non-participating providers.
Higher benefit levels are associated with the use of participating providers.
Examples: IBA, Cigna, PPOM
POS
(Point of Service)
A program in which insurance companies have contracts with established
providers of health care. Like a PPO, higher benefit levels are associated
with using participating providers. This plan type generally includes
the choice of a Primary Care Physician responsible for coordinating your
care. Examples: Blue Choice, Healthscope Benefits PCN.
HMO
(Health Maintenance Organization)
A health plan that provides, offers or arranges for coverage of health
care services needed by plan members. Examples: Blue Care Network, Physician’s
Health Plan, Community Choice of Michigan.
All health care services must be approved by your Primary Care Physician (Family Doctor). Certain procedures require an authorization or approval by the HMO prior to the date of service.
Commercial
Insurance
A non-government sponsored health plan that can include group and individual
members.
Worker’s
Compensation or Work-Related Injuries
A state-governed system designed to address work-related injuries.
Medicare
A nationwide, federally administered health insurance program that covers
the costs of hospitalization, medical care, and some related services
for eligible persons. Please inform the receptionist if you are receiving
Black Lung or VA benefits or if your visit is accident or work related.
Medicaid
A federal program administered and operated individually by participating
states and territorial governments.
Auto
Related Injury
The State of Michigan, through the no-Fault Act requires an auto insurance
company to pay certain benefits without regard to who caused the accident.
If you or a member of your household is injured in a motor vehicle accident,
you should contact your auto insurance company immediately. In order for
us to request payment from the auto insurance company, specific information
is required. If it is not obtained, you may be responsible for payment
of the entire cost of your health care.