Dear Patients,
A number of our patients have inquired about charges for physical exams and office visits during the same visit. Following is an explanation of this complex situation:
Physical examinations are defined by insurers as preventative
visits. Prevention includes detailed questioning about your current
health status, a careful physical examination of the body, determination
of risk for health problems and diseases, and recommendations
for screening, such as for example cancer screening, as well
as lifestyle changes. Prevention does not included addressing
specific, individual health problems, whether brought up by the
patient or discovered by the physician. These health
problems, injuries and diseases take extra time and effort, and
they fall outside the realm of a routine physical exam.
As such, please understand that when we address additional medical problems during your routine physical exam, an additional office charge may be added to your charge for the physical exam. Most insurers cover our attention to these additional services, but some may shift an additional co-payment back to you. We are writing this so you are not surprised should this happen.
We believe in taking time with our patients. We believe in the highest quality of care. We believe the screening process and preventative interventions are an important part of our job, but we also want our patients to have the option of bringing up a reasonable number of concerns or problems during a visit, including a physical exam.
Although we don’t always have time to address everything at one visit, we will do our best to address what we feel we can, without sacrificing quality, within the time scheduled for your appointment. But, please, be prepared for charges that reflect the nature of the visit.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Sincerely,
Hillary Browne, M.D.,
Sheila Ling, M.D., &
Kathryn Johnson, PA-C
Meg Hartigan, PA-C