Patient fees vary according to the length of time I spend with you.  A simple problem like a cold or rash will usually be a minimum charge of $50.  Appointments are structured according to the time needed to thoroughly cover the medical issues involved.  

For new patients, there is a one time additional charge of $40 for time spent reviewing and evaluating prior records.

House calls and emergency after-hours appointments will incur a minimum drive-time charge of $30 in addition to regular patient fees.  For my patients who require handicap access, there is no additional fees for house calls.

A 15% discount is given to all patients of Medicare age for all services.

When you contact me with a medical question, I am giving you professional advice just as I would if you were sitting with me in my office.  While I can’t make physical observations or order tests if you are not in my office, the advice I provide is still valid and involves my time, training and medical expertise.  Charging a fee allows me to devote quality time to your issues, instead of treating them as interference with my "real" work and hurrying through as quickly as possible.

Medical advice provided over the phone will be charged at my normal hourly rate with a $15 minimum.  If I advise you to make an appointment, there will be no charge for the phone call, unless the call is lengthy and covers additional areas.

After-hours phone calls for medication refills will incur a $10 fee.  If I am on vacation there will be no charge.

Charges for writing letters and filling out forms will be based on the length of the letter or form required.  Charges are due when the form or letter is picked up.

Email consultations are charged an annual $25 fee.  Please fill out a form and return it to the office.  There is an additional fee of $10 per email inquiry.  If I respond to your email by advising you to make an appointment, there is no charge.

I require payment in full at the time of service. This is no different than the tire shop, the grocery store, or the beauty salon – you receive the goods or services and pay as you leave.  Requiring payment at time of service allows me to place patient care ahead of federal rules and regulations.

Charges for emails and phone calls will be directly billed to the patient.

I am not contracted with any insurance companies, HMOs, or PPOs nor do I bill any of these companies directly.  I provide a receipt documenting your payment and universal claim form HCFA-1500 with all charges and codes required for insurance processing.  Patients are encouraged to submit these forms to their private insurance carriers for reimbursement.

I have opted out of Medicare and Medicaid.  This means that patients who come to see me cannot submit a claim to Medicare for their office visit.  They must pay for the visit themselves.  Medicare patients must also sign a contract with me, prior to their office visit, stating that they will not submit the claim to Medicare.  Click here for additional information

A 15% discount is given to all patients of Medicare age for all services.

For cash-paying patients it will be business as usual – pay as you leave the office.

For patients with insurance, you will pay your bill in full, not just the co-pay.  You will be given a HCFA-1500 form with charges and codes to mail to your insurance company.  The insurance company will then process the claim and mail you a check.

For Medicare and Medicaid patients (Title-19 or Equality Care), you will pay your bill in full as you leave the office.  You will not be able to send a claim into Medicare or Medicaid for reimbursement.  As a Medicare patient, you will be required to sign a contract with me stating you are aware that I have opted out of Medicare and you choose to pay my bill yourself.  A HCFA-1500 universal claim form will be provided if you have secondary insurance.

Worker’s Compensation patients – I do not contract with Worker’s Compensation, but I will refer you to a participating physician.

If someone else’s insurance is paying for your visit, such as from a car accident, then you will pay me at the time of your visit and submit a claim to their insurance for your reimbursement.

Payment plans may be arranged when necessary.