Information for Patients

							Information for Patients
Appointments
To schedule an appointment, call 702-731-4088. If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment we
request one-day advance notice for cancellation. We reserve the right to charge for missed
appointments.

If you are bringing in a minor child for treatment you must be the natural parent or have
supporting paperwork that gives you the right to make medical decisions for the child. No minor
children will be seen without an adult with the right to make medical decisions for the child.

Upon your first visit to our office it is necessary that we have all previous X-rays and medical
records which pertain to your orthopaedic problem at the same time as your appointment.

Upon completion of your evaluation, you will be provided with an encounter form either by the
physician or the physician's assistant. A report concerning your evaluation will be sent routinely to
the referring physician. If other reports are requested please let the assistant know at this time.
You will be requested to proceed to the check-out counter located in the lobby. At this time, your
insurance will be verified, and you will be asked to make any required payments, including co-
payments. If you have any questions concerning your bill or insurance coverage, please ask for
assistance from the receptionist at the check-out counter.

Patient Registration Form
Desert Orthopaedic Center’s online patient information form

Notice of Privacy Practices
Read Notice

Policy on Insurance and Billing
Insurance Office 702-732-8477 We have trained staff to deal with your insurance and billing
matters, whether it be private insurance, Medicare, industrial, PPO or other coverage.

DOC will bill your insurance for surgeon fees, doctor's services proved in the hospital and office
charges if we participate with your insurance plan.

DOC will bill your insurance if you are not in a health plan we participate in and your charges are
greater than $200. Please be prepared to pay the first $ 200 and any charges not covered by the
insurance policy.

At the time of your appointment, please be prepared to pay any co-payments, co-insurance
charges or unmet deductibles as required by your insurance policy.

We ask for advance payment prior to surgery if you have inadequate or no insurance coverage.
The fee for surgery will normally include your post operative office visits for a period of three
months.

Due to our rising patient population and rapid growth in the Las Vegas area, we request 48-72
hours for accurate completion of insurance forms for disability, etc. Allowing this time period will
enable our medical staff to focus on the patient's immediate care needs at the time of their
appointment.

Charges for Treatment
Our fees are based on our knowledge, skill and services provided and are considered those
prevailing in this community for services of an orthopaedic surgeon. If you have any questions
about our fees, please feel free to discuss them with an account representative in our business
office prior to your appointment. Having financial matters clear from the onset is preferable to
encountering difficulties later on.

Credit Policy
All charges are expected to be paid on date of service.

We appreciate your payment for office visits at the same time of service

Desert Orthopaedic Center cannot accept the responsibility for collecting your insurance claim
nor negotiating a settlement for a disputed claim such as an automobile accident-related injury.
Financial responsibility for our services rests with the patient or responsible party at the time of
service, regardless of any insurance coverage.

You will receive a monthly statement from our office to inform you of the current status of your
account. If you require assistance with insurance claims or with payment of your bill, please
contact our Insurance Office at 732-8477. We will always attempt to work out an acceptable
payment plan if your financial situation requires.

If you have arranged an installment payment plan with an Account Representative at 732-8477,
minimum monthly payments of $ 20.00 are required on account balances less that $100. On
accounts of $100 or more, a minimum of 20% of the outstanding balance is required each month
until the account is paid.

For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover.

DOC participates with Tri Care and Medicare. Medicare assignment and the Medicare approved
fee is automatically accepted. Supplemental insurance policies can be used to cover the 20% not
covered by Medicare, and any non-covered amount the patient is required to pay.

Telephoning Us
Main Number: 702-731-1616

The staff has been instructed to handle all incoming telephone calls. This allows the physician to
attend to patients who are in the office with a minimum of interruptions. Your medical record may
need to be reviewed before your call can be returned. Please be patient. If the situation is truly an
emergency, please indicate this to the operator.

When you call with a specific question, please tell the operator exactly what information you need
so she may connect you with the proper person.

Emergencies
Phone 731-1616 anytime.
One of the doctors in the group is always available for advice or care for true orthopaedic
emergencies. After office hours, our answering service will take your message and immediately
contact one of our surgeons. Our telephone number is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.