Due to the increasing number of patients who are covered by HMO plans, we felt it would be helpful to explain the process of emergency room visits and specialists referrals.
An emergency room referral CANNOT be authorized without first speaking to the physician on call. If you find it necessary to take your child to the emergency room immediately, please contact the office on the next working day to relay this information to the office staff. Many insurance companies insist on being notified within 24 hours or your insurance company many not cover the visit.
If your primary care physician directs you to a specialist, please call our office with your appointment time, specialist's name and the reason for the referral. Please notify the Referral Coordinator at least five (5) working days before your appointment. This will allow us time to process the referral according to your insurance requirements and for your specialist to receive notice of the referral approval prior to the visit.
Insurance company rules about referrals are getting more and more complicated. It is very important that the guidelines for your particular insurance company are followed. In the event you feel the need to see a specialist for a specific problem, please be advised that your primary care physician MUST approve the visit before your appointment is made. Most of these HMO's also require a visit to your primary care physician's office prior to seeing a specialist.
If you have any questions about your insurance company requirements, please call your insurance company's Customer Service number located on your insurance card or call our office. We will be glad to assist you. If you have questions about insurance or payment of a bill, please call 513-530-2090 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Please bring your current insurance card with you to each office visit.