End of Year Benefit and Scheduling Planning

This is a question that comes up close to the end of the year, so we thought it was worth reposting.

QUESTION:

Hello, with the holiday season quickly approaching and winter just around the corner, I’m concerned my prosthesis will need repair or I will need supplies and I might not be able to get an appointment.  And I have already satisfied my deductible and would like to get in before the end of the year. Do you have any recommendations to ease my concerns?

 - Peyton K.

ANSWER:

We certainly understand your concerns, Peyton, and highly recommend scheduling an appointment with your practitioner prior to the holiday season and end of the year.  Many insurance policies renew January 1st, which may translate into your annual deductibles and out of pocket costs starting all over again.  This is something you certainly want to keep in mind as the end of the year approaches.  We are more than happy to review your benefits and provide you with the anticipated cost difference for services you receive prior to January 1st compared to after January 1st.  Just give us a call and one of our patient service coordinators will be happy to verify your benefits and answer your insurance questions.  In most cases, receiving repair to or supplies for your prosthesis prior to the end of the year will help keep cash in your pocket!  Make your appointment now for November or December.   We look forward to hearing from you soon!

 - Kristin Boswell, Director of Patient Services and Billing

Do you have a question you would like to Ask Us? Email us at info@dankmeyer.com.

Your First Appointment in the New Year

QUESTION:

My next appointment is scheduled in your office after the first of the year.  Do I need to bring anything with me?  Is there anything new I should know before coming to my appointment?

 - Karon M.

ANSWER:

Thank you for the great question!  The first of the year can be tricky for medical offices, as it is when most insurance policies renew. It is also the time of year when brand new insurance plans go into effect.  Unfortunately, a change in insurance can sometimes cause problems for patients since not all medical providers participate with all insurance plans. 

For example, we often see patients who were previously enrolled in traditional Medicare who have signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period.  Changing over to a Medicare Advantage plan can potentially affect coverage with your current healthcare providers, as some providers may not participate with a particular Medicare Advantage plan.  This means you would no longer be able to see that provider without having an out of pocket expense.  This is one reason we encourage our patients who have made any change to their insurance to contact our office prior to their appointment to let us know of the change.  At this time, we can also confirm whether or not we are an in-network provider with your new insurance plan. 

Speaking of out of pocket expenses, since most insurance policies run calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31), deductibles and out of pocket costs also renew the first of the year - so there may also be a possibility you will have a share for a service early in the new year.  We will certainly let you know of any financial responsibility you may have prior to providing the service.  Also, please don’t forget to bring any new insurance cards with you to your appointment! 

One last thing, so we may have the option to effectively communicate with you in regards to the care you receive from us, we will be asking for your current email address, as well as your permission to use it as a method of contacting you regarding the medical care you are receiving from us. 

 Happy New Year!

 - Kristin Boswell, Director of Patient Services and Billing

Do you have a question you would like to Ask Us? Email us at info@dankmeyer.com.