We are excited that you have decided to become part of the EKOM Medical family. We request that you take a few moments and update your information electronically via the link provided or print the “New patient forms” to fill them up and bring them with you for your appointment. At the initial visit, we schedule extra time so that you and your provider become acquainted and review your medical history.
Canceling appointments
We understand that things can change as life is unpredictable. We use patient portal messages and text messages to remind you of your appointments. If you are unable to keep your appointment or are going to be late, please call our office as soon as possible. This courtesy allows us to be of service to other patients.
Patient financial responsibilities and payments:
All patients are expected to present a physical insurance card at each visit.
Co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles are your responsibility. All co-payment, co-insurance, deductibles and past balances are due at the time check in.
Co-payments, co-insurance or deductibles are your responsibility. All co-payment, co-insurance, deductibles and past balances are due at the time check in.
We accept cash, check, and major credit cards. There is a $25 fee for all returned checks in addition to any fees imposed by your personal financial institution.
If you have deductibles that have not been met then then our policy is to charge $100 at the time of the visit. You will be billed for any residual balance or given a refund, as determined by your insurance.
If you are unable to pay your co-payment, co-insurance or deductible, your appointment may be rescheduled unless you have made prior arrangements.
We urge you to help keep our administrative costs down so we can focus on providing quality medical care. Any amount not paid at the time of service may be subject to an additional fee of $25.00 to cover billing cost. This fee will be waived if payment is made within 5 days.
Any denial(s) for service(s) not covered under your policy remain your responsibility.
Delinquent accounts with owed balances will be sent to a collection agency after 6 months, unless payment plan arrangements have been made.
We do offer payment plan options for those with unreasonable financial burden. Please discuss details with the office staff at your appointment.
Insurance and assignment of benefits:
As a courtesy to you, we will file your insurance claim if you assign the benefits to the doctor. In order to file your claim, we require that you disclose all insurance information including primary and secondary insurance. Failure to provide complete insurance information may result in patient responsibility for the entire bill.
Sometimes we may be “out of network” providers for some insurances. In such a scenario, our claim may be rejected by insurance, or they may send the payment directly to you, to be then paid to us for services provided.
Not all services may be covered by your insurance plan. We do our best in estimating and providing you with the cost of such services. You will be responsible for the complete charge at the time of the service or later when deemed “non-covered” by insurance.
Phone calls and after-hours service:
Our telephones are answered from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.
We usually have same day or next day appointments available for acute illnesses.
Prescriptions and Refills:
New prescriptions and prescription renewals require an office appointment. This is highly important for the doctor to monitor and manage your health.
Processing time for prescription renewals (if done without an appointment) is 48 hours. Please note that prescription refill calls are not answered after hours.
Many medications require regular blood work for monitoring for your safety. If your prescription requires monitoring blood work, please allow time for your provider to receive your results before your appointment.
Test results:
It may take up to 2 weeks to receive your test results in some cases, including blood work and x-rays. Please send us a message via patient portal, call, or text us if you have not received your results in the patient portal by that time.
Please keep in mind that telephonic discussions with your provider about your test results may be billable.
Referrals and Authorizations:
Our medical assistants are happy to assist you with any pre-authorization or pre-approval needs. These are usually processed by our office in 48 hours but can take up to 2 weeks, depending on the insurance companies.
Emergency care:
If you believe there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 asap or go to the emergency department, so that a trained EMT or a physician can evaluate you. Please inform us if you are admitted to the hospital, so we can coordinate your care and ensure proper follow up after discharge.
Urgent care:
If you have an urgent problem, please call our office for instructions. If it is after hours, leave a message, and your call will page the provider on call who will return your call as soon as possible.
Confidentiality:
We adhere to HIPAA confidentiality principles. Your medical record is strictly private. We will not give out information regarding your condition to your employer, friends, or relatives. The only exception to this is when required by law. We do request consent for using this information for research and analysis to provide better care. Any data used for research is protected by HIPAA guidelines.
Self Pay:
We understand that everyone has health care needs, even those who are not covered by an insurance. Payments are due in full before the scheduled appointment.