Payments
Payments are due from the patient at the time the service is rendered. This includes copayments, deductibles, and/or coinsurances. We accept all major credit cards.
Office policies
Our policies, in plain language
We greatly appreciate your adherence to these policies — they help us keep visits unhurried and care consistent for every family.
No-shows
A no-show is missing a scheduled appointment without calling the office in advance to cancel. Each incident will result in a charge of $100.00. Consecutive no-shows may subject the patient to dismissal from the practice.
Same-day cancellation
A same-day cancellation is canceling a well visit appointment less than 48 business hours before the scheduled appointment. Each incident will result in a charge of $75.00. Consecutive same-day cancellations may subject the patient to dismissal from the practice.
Insurance PCP
If your insurance (private or Medicaid) designates a PCP on your card, you must list one of our providers as your Primary Care Provider for the visit to be covered. Please update your PCP before your scheduled appointment. If it has not been changed at the time of your visit, you will be required to pay as a self-pay patient or reschedule — and same-day rescheduling results in the $75.00 fee.
Claims
We submit all claims to your insurer and strive to help you get your claims paid. Your insurer may need information directly from you, and it is your responsibility to comply. The balance of your claim is your responsibility whether or not your insurance company pays it; your insurance benefit is a contract between you and your insurer, and we are not party to that contract.
Well visits
Well visits are typically covered 100% by most insurers. However, all services recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Bright Futures may not be covered — including hearing screens, vision screens and routine labs. If your insurance doesn't cover these, payment is required within 30 days of receiving your bill. If concerns are addressed outside of the well visit, you may incur a copay depending on your plan.
Sick and other visits
Insurers typically classify visits as preventative (well) or office (sick/other/follow-up) — the only two basic visit types in our office. Follow-ups are deemed office visits, including after an asthma attack, weight checks and lab follow-ups. All co-pays and other requirements for an office visit apply per your contract with your insurer.
Newborn period
Bright Futures guidelines recommend two well visits within the first month of life: within 2–3 days of hospital discharge and within 2–3 weeks of the initial visit. You may also need to return for weight checks and follow-ups, which are office visits and require any associated co-pay in full at the time of the visit. Please call your insurance company to add your newborn to your policy as soon as possible, then call the office with the updated information.
Newborn — new patient
Well visits and sick (office) visits have out-of-pocket fees that must be paid to the practice until the insurance is active. Once the insurance is active and the visits have been covered, you will be reimbursed up to the amount paid for all visits.
Self-pay
All self-pay patients are expected to pay an upfront office visit fee of $200. The fee could change depending on the services rendered at the time of care.
After hours
All calls prior to 10:00 PM are free. Calls between 10:00 PM and 8:45 AM incur a fee of $25 per call. At PPA, a doctor — not a nurse — responds to every call.
Late evening and weekend visits
Visits at 5:00 PM and later, and weekend visits, incur an additional charge. Some insurances cover it, while others may make the fee patient responsibility.
Appointment scheduling
Appointments cannot be scheduled without verifiable insurance at the time of scheduling.
Collections
If an unpaid balance remains and satisfactory payment arrangements haven't been made, the account may be placed with an external collections agency, which could lead to credit bureau reporting. You are responsible for reimbursement of any collection fees, costs and expenses, and possibly reasonable attorney's fees incurred during collection efforts.
Physician calls
Because of the escalated care our patients need, physicians require more time to return calls. Morning calls are returned during the lunch hour and afternoon calls once the physicians finish seeing patients. If your call takes more than 5 minutes, you can schedule your child to be seen or have the call billed to your insurance company; you are responsible for any resulting fees.
Questions about a bill or a policy?
Call (404) 220-7660 to schedule your next appointment, or send us a request and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.