FAQ’s
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointment scheduling
Patients are seen by appointment after we have received a
referral from their primary care physician. We will make
every effort to honor your scheduled time. However, we are
occasionally delayed by unanticipated emergencies.
New patients should arrive 30 minutes in advance of their
initial appointment to fill out a health history form, complete a
registration sheet, and read our financial policy. We will
review the information with you to make sure that your
insurance is billed correctly.
What billing information do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please come to your appointments with all necessary
insurance forms and cards, so that we are able to bill your
carrier in a timely and accurate manner. You will receive
separate billings for laboratory, anesthesiology, radiology,
and/or hospital or outpatient services.
What are your policies regarding various insurance plans?
As a courtesy to our customers, our office will bill your
insurance provider. We will collect the required copayment
prior to your being seen. You are responsible for full payment
of professional services, laboratory charges and/or
associated costs. Those not covered by insurance will be
collected at the time of service.
Our staff is trained to assist you with your insurance
questions. However, you may need to consult your insurance
carrier, employer, or group plan administrator for details
about coverage issues.
Health Maintenance Organizations require a copay for each
visit. In addition, HMOs require that patients obtain
authorization from a primary care provider (PCP) before
scheduling an appointment with Longview Urology or Salmon
Creek Urology.
Preferred Provider Plans or Choice Option Plans (PPO, PPP,
POS) allow you to choose your provider. There may be a
deductible and/or copay required at the time of service. If we
are not on the preferred list or are outside the preferred
panel, the paid benefits may be calculated at a lower
percentage (for example, 70 percent instead of 80 percent).
We will bill you for the difference. Payment is required within
30 days.
Medicare is billed for you directly by our office. Because all of
our doctors are participating physicians, we will write off the
difference between what we bill and what Medicare considers
allowable. You will be responsible for the remaining portion. If
you have secondary insurance, we will bill that carrier for you.
State or Federally-funded Plans allow us to bill the agency,
provided that you are eligible and have a referral from your
primary care physician. For services that are not covered,
you will be required to pay at the time of service.
Indemnity Plans are those with deductibles that pay a
percentage of the bill and allow you to choose your own
physician. You are responsible for the amount not covered by
insurance.
What are your office hours?
We are open Monday through Thursday from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m.
If you need after-hours assistance, we have a physician on
call 24 hours a day. You can reach the answering service by
dialing 360.636.9540. For emergencies, call 911.
What is your payment policy?
We accept cash, checks, VISA, and MasterCard. Regardless
of what amount your insurance company pays, you are
responsible for full payment of all bills incurred at Longview
Urology.
Non-insured patients are required to pay a $100 deposit. A
member of our billing staff will discuss payment
arrangements with you prior to your appointment.
What is your policy regarding prescription refills?
Refills will not be authorized on weekends. It is important to
contact your pharmacy at least 48 hours before you run out
of medication. If no authorized refills are on file, your
pharmacy will contact us directly.
What is your patient privacy policy?
All patient information, both personal and medical, is
maintained in strict confidence. We will release your
information only if we have received signed authorization
from you.
When should I expect to receive my test results?
Most test results are available within 10 days. If you have not
heard from us after 10 days, please contact our office.