What does a “Patient/Provider Relationship” mean?
The medical provider-patient relationship is central to the practice of healthcare and is essential for the delivery of high-quality health care in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. For effective treatment, a patient must have confidence in his/her medical provider. The medical provider must be knowledgeable in the care of the patient’s medical need. And the patient must be willing to comply with treatment modalities. The relationship begins after the medical provider completes an initial evaluation to determine if you are a suitable candidate and if they are able to provide you with appropriate care. (Filling out forms or insurance questions does not establish a provider/patient relationship.)
As a patient of FMOA, we want you to be as educated and involved in your healthcare as we are. We consider the patient/ healthcare provider relationship a partnership. With that in mind, we like to remind patients to over communicate with us about their care and to always let any specialists or hospitals know that we are your healthcare “home”. We are not always able to know when you are seen at another office; therefore, we need you to make sure any pertinent information is passed on to our office so that we may provide truly the best global care we can.
When I come for my first appointment what should I bring?
Please be ready to fill out any paperwork including medical and surgical history, demographics, insurance carrier.
If you are transferring your care from another provider, please bring in any necessary medical information, x-ray or lab results, and any medication orders.
Bring your insurance card, driver’s license or other identification and your copay amount. Co-pays and/or payments in full are expected at the time of service. We accept cash, check, and Visa or MasterCard.
What should I do if I can’t make it to an appointment?
Please call FMOA as soon as you know that you are not able to make it to an appointment. If you will be 10 minutes late, we will do our best to get you in to meet your provider, though we will need to respect the time of others that were on time for their appointments.
FMOA does charge a $55 fee for missed, late arrival (greater than 10 minutes), or rescheduling with less than 24 hours’ notice. After 2 late cancellation/no-show events FMOA may discharge you from our care.
Am I always able to see my physician?
FMOA desires to provide you with a prompt appointment. At times, this may mean that you will be seen by a different medical provider. If you prefer to see a particular provider, please schedule your routine appointments well in advance. We will make every effort to meet your request. For illnesses or injuries, it may be necessary for you to see whichever provider is available. FMOA providers are extremely collaborative in their care management and will do their best to discuss your case with your primary care provider.
What should I know about my insurance?
Payment is expected at the time of service. Our office does participate with major insurance plans. If we have an agreement with your insurance company, we will gladly submit the claim on your behalf once your co-payment and deductible amounts have been met. Our Front Office staff have been instructed to make a copy of your insurance card. It is your responsibility to be informed of the details of your health insurance coverage.
What if I can’t pay my bill?
Please call FMOA to discuss how we can assist you. FMOA is willing to set up an automatic pay per month program so that your account is kept active. Our process for billing is that we send out bills within 1-7 days of service. We will remind you within 30 days. If FMOA does not hear back from you or you do not provide a forwarding address, we will begin the process of notifying collections and potentially discontinuing your care.
What laboratory does FMOA use for their specimens?
FMOA utilizes UVA primarily. If you know that your insurance prefers LabCorp or another lab company, it is your responsibility to inform the provider or nursing staff prior to specimens being taken or drawn of your preference.
How long does FMOA keep my medical records?
FMOA follows federal and state laws regarding medical record retention. For many medical records, they are retained for 7 years after you reach the age of 18 years.
How do I request my records?
You can fill out a Release of Information form. Please provide FMOA 30 days to comply with your request. You may be billed, per federal regulations, for copying and posting your medical records.