It is important to realize that providing care for high-risk pregnancies takes time. Many patient visits involve testing such as electronic fetal monitoring and ultrasound. It is not unusual for high-risk mothers to have monitoring and ultrasounds weekly or sometimes twice per week. Lab work may need to be completed more often, too. Your lab work can provide critical information, and we may ask that you stay at the hospital until we get lab results that tell us it is safe for you to go home. It is not unusual to be at the office for several hours at a time. By asking you to keep more frequent appointments, we often can keep you out of the hospital and, more importantly, successfully help you manage most problems at home. Below is some helpful information regarding your visit to our office.
During your visit
For patient confidentiality, privacy, and safety, please be aware of the following policies as you plan for your visit (effective July 10, 2020 for COVID-19 restrictions):
During check in and Non-Stress Testing (NST), only the patient will be allowed at the desk and patient care area.
During ultrasounds, we ask that no more than 1 person, 16 years of age or older, accompany you. In order to provide the highest quality “level II specialty ultrasound,” your guest may be asked to step out of the room during the exam. Major distractions to the sonographer may result in our inability to complete the scan and may reduce diagnostic accuracy.
All patients and visitors are required to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth during their entire visit.
Patients and visitors may have their temperature taken and/or be asked screening questions prior to being checked in for their appointment.
Flash photography and camcorders are not allowed. We ask that cell phones be turned off during your exam.
payment and collection policy
We participate with many healthcare insurance plans. Please check with your plan to determine the individual coverage status regarding your healthcare plan and to verify our participation. As a courtesy to our patients, we will file your insurance. We request that you present your insurance card, driver’s license and co-payment, if applicable, at the time of each visit.
Any unpaid or remaining account balances on the patient’s account after insurance benefits have been applied, must be paid within 30 days unless prior payment arrangements have been made with our billing staff. We accept cash, money order, debit card, personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. If you do not have healthcare insurance coverage, you are expected to pay in full at the time of service. Financial counselors are available should you need assistance with your account balance.
late policy
We have a 30 minute late policy. If you are more than 30 minutes late for an appointment, please be aware that you may be asked to reschedule your appointment. We feel this policy is necessary in order to provide each patient with the time and attention needed to address their needs. If you anticipate being late for your appointment, please call our office.
providers
During your visit with us, you may see any of our physicians or nurse practitioners. Due to the nature of our field, we cannot guarantee you will see a certain provider, however, please know that you will always be seen by a highly qualified and experienced professional.
cancellation/missed appointment policy
We request a 48 hour cancellation notice if you are unable to attend your appointment. If notice is not given, we reserve the right to charge a $50.00 missed appointment fee to your account.
forms and letters policy
We will complete forms and letters for patients for whom we provide primary obstetric care. For all other patients, please consult your primary provider. We require a minimum of 7 days to complete disability forms or letters required by the patient’s employer or insurance for maternity/sick leave. Fees will be charged in association with any/all forms to be completed by the office staff/providers on behalf of the patient and at the patient request. The fee will depend upon type of form to be completed and time required completing the forms.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (865) 263-2400. We will be glad to assist you in any way necessary. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in your care and look forward to seeing you.