Welcome to Medical Associates Clinic
We are pleased to have you as our patient. Medical Associates Clinic is
dedicated to providing quality, accessible, and cost effective health
care services to our patients and we strive to make every visit a positive
experience. This information was designed to provide our patients with
a detailed explanation of our financial policies. We realize this information
may not always address your specific situation and encourage you to speak
with a member of our Patient Accounts Staff whenever you have any questions
or concerns regarding your account.
Registration
The registration process is a vital link in your visit to Medical Associates
Clinic. Information gathered provides us with contact information as well
as ensures your claims will be filed to the correct insurance company.
Upon arrival at any Medical Associates Clinic site, you
will be asked for basic information.
- Current patient information: name, address, telephone
number, employer, social security number, and emergency contact.
- Current insurance card.
Please arrive at least ten minutes prior to your appointment
time. Having information readily available will assist us in making the
check-in process easier for you. Information obtained in the registration
process is kept in your confidential medical record.
You will be asked to make co-payments at the Registration
Desk at the time of service. For your convenience, we can also handle
your payments on your account at the Registration Desk. We accept cash,
check, debit cards and major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and Discover).
Co-payments
Co-payments will be collected at the time of your visit. Please check
with your insurance company for the requirements and provisions of your
policy to determine the dollar amount of your co-payment prior to your
appointment.
Families Divided by Divorce
We at Medical Associates Clinic understand that these situations require
special handling. All efforts will be made to comply with your instructions
regarding the billing. However, with the numerous problems that arise
in divorce cases, the clinic can not act as administrator to resolve financial
arrangements. The parent with whom minor children live with will be considered
the responsible party and will receive all billing statements and correspondence.
Both parents are legally responsible for the account balance.
Dependents
For your convenience, our statements show current account information
for any family member who has used Medical Associates Clinic. Once a patient
becomes eighteen, an account will be established in his or her name.
NSF Checks
There will be a $20.00 charge for all returned checks.
Liabilities
Medical Associates Clinic does not protect third party liability charges.
It is the obligation of the responsible party to settle any outstanding
liability charges. Medical Associates Clinic can not act as administrator
to resolve financial arrangements. The balance for services rendered is
considered due in full at the time of the services.
Participation with Insurance Companies
Medical Associates Clinic reserves the right to determine which insurance
companies or programs we participate with on an annual basis.
General Insurance Policy
As a convenience to you, our Insurance Staff will file a claim on your
behalf provided we have your current insurance policy information available.
However, it is impossible for our staff to determine your coverage and
payment levels, since each insurance company offers many options as part
of their health care coverage package.
Our staff cannot guarantee that your insurance carrier will pay all or
even part of your claim. Your insurance policy is a contract between you
and your insurance carrier. Ultimately, the patient is responsible for
their Medical Associates Clinic charges. Patients should resolve disputed
coverage issues directly with their insurer or employer. It is the patient’s
responsibility to know the details of their insurance contract and if
Medical Associates Clinic is a network provider for their particular plan.
When your insurance company processes your claim they
will provide you with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). This EOB will
explain what the insurance company has agreed to pay. Most insurance companies
agree to pay only a percentage of the charges with the remaining balance
being the responsibility of the patient. The EOB may use the term “Usual,
Customary and Reasonable” (UCR). Insurance companies develop UCRs
independently of one another. Medical Associates Clinic maintains only
one fee schedule and it is developed independently of the insurance company
UCRs. Therefore, because of policy deductibles, co-payments, non-covered
services and UCRs, you may have a balance due after insurance pays. No
UCR adjustments will be honored unless the clinic has a signed contract
in effect with that specific insurance carrier.
Medicare Policy
Federal law requires all physicians to file claims to Medicare.
Medical Associates Clinic accepts Medicare assignment. This means we agree
to accept Medicare’s allowance on services provided to you. You
will still be responsible for your annual deductible, the co-payment,
and any non-covered services specified by Medicare.
If you carry a supplemental plan to Medicare, please be
sure we have your policy information so that a claim can be filed for
you.
Medicaid
All Medicaid patients must present a valid stamped card prior to being
seen. If the patient wishes to be seen without their validated card, they
will be required to make payment at time of service or asked to reschedule.
General Credit Policies
All accounts are payable upon receipt of your first statement. Credit
is extended as a courtesy, and arrangements will be based on demonstrated
needs.
If you are not covered by a medical insurance plan payment
is expected at the time services are provided.
If you are from outside the Tri-State area you will be
required to pay for your services prior to being seen regardless of your
insurance status/coverage.
Payment in full or the amount not covered by your insurance
carrier may be required prior to receiving care if you have a present/previous
clinic account turned over to a collection agency, you currently have
an overdue balance, or if you have a recent bankruptcy case.
Any account that has had a minimum of three balances turned
over to a collection agency will be reviewed for a Credit Withdrawal of
Care. Upon receipt of payment in full on those balances the Credit Withdrawal
of Care may be rescinded.
Hardship
Patients who are having financial difficulties may qualify for a reduction
in a repayment plan or a financial adjustment on their account. They will
be required to complete a financial form and include the necessary information
to process their application.
Questions Regarding Your Account
If you have questions regarding your account please contact our Patient
Accounts Staff at the following telephone numbers:
Billing questions:
Customer Service Staff,
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
563-584-4475/800-648-6868
Credit questions:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
563-584-4480 or 3380/800-648-6868
Monday through Friday
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
563-584-3380/800-648-6868
Credit Card Payments:
We accept debit cards and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa and Discover)
563-584-3102
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us serve
you with the highest quality, accessible and cost effective health care
services. |