As a patient in our center, you have committed to your participation and responsibility in your healing process. This also includes responsibility for the services you receive and the manner in which you handle your business relationship with our center. We ask you to review it, ask our staff any questions that might arise, and sign the copy included in your questionnaire that you have read and understand it. By clarifying our policies, we hope to prevent any future misunderstandings.
INSURANCE:
There are over 1,000 different insurance companies in America. It is impossible for us to know all of their policies and regulations. Because you (or your employer, in your behalf) have contracted with an insurance company, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with your policy limitations and regulations of your insurance company. Please remember that we do not participate with any insurance plan or Medicare, nor do we submit claims. We do prepare your bill in an acceptable format for your insurance company. In this manner, you may easily submit your claims directly. If you have specific questions regarding your coverage, please check with your carrier or group benefits coordinator prior to your appointment. Insurance coverage for natural, holistic, and alternative treatment also varies, although doctor visits and testing are often covered by fee for service or out of network plans. We have listed under “Insurance Coverage” what our experience has been but cannot guarantee what any given policy will cover.
The Center for the Healing Arts, PC does not participate with any HMO, PPO, POS, Medicare, or insurance plans. All services rendered are fee for service. You may submit the bill provided to your insurance company for reimbursement according to the limits of the policy, if you have out of network benefits.
MEDICARE: As of June 18, 1998, Dr. Sica has not participated with Medicare. As a result, Medicare considers all of our services as non-covered expenses. Our decision to “opt out” was arrived at after considerable deliberation and is consistent with our desire to continue to offer the very best in comprehensive, integrative, alternative health care. All Medicare patients who wish to utilize the services provided at our offices must enter into a private contract with the doctor. If the patient has secondary insurance, bills may be submitted directly to that carrier. Laboratory services, when provided by participating laboratories, continue to be covered as long as they are considered “medically necessary” by Medicare regulations. (Exceptions include nutritional testing, such as fatty acid or vitamin analyses.)
FEES:
Since our treatment plan for you is highly individualized, the cost for laboratory testing, allergy testing, and supplements vary widely. By bringing copies of any testing you have had done within the past year or so and any relevant medical records to your current condition, you may reduce the cost of further testing.
We do not participate with any HMO, PPO, POS, or insurance plans. We do NOT participate in Medicare or Medicaid / Title 19. We do not submit insurance claims nor is assignment accepted.
Payment is expected in full at the time services are rendered. Payments may be made by cash, check, Master Card, Visa, or Discover.
Any accounts over thirty days will accrue with interest at the rate of 1.5% per month. Accounts delinquent over 90 days are due in full and will be referred to collection. All collection costs and legal fees will be added to the account.
CANCELLATION FEE:
We reserve the right to charge you for a missed visit if your appointment is NOT cancelled 2 Business Days prior to appointment date. We reserve the right to have your credit card authorization on file in advance before reserving an appointment time for you. Please note: Because we are closed on Friday, any Monday appointment that is cancelled via voicemail on Friday is subject to the cancellation fee.
“Unfaithfulness in keeping of an appointment is an act of clear dishonesty. You may as well borrow a person’s money as his time.”