Payment Policy

Important information to know prior to visiting

Thank you for choosing Southwest Shoulder Elbow and Hand Center! First and foremost we are committed to the success of your medical treatment and plan of care.

Please understand that payment of your bill is part of this treatment and care. Patient’s health insurance plans state that payments including co-pays and deductibles are to be collected for office visits at time of service. Upon request a member of our Business Office staff will review any deductibles and out of pocket expenses you are responsible for as outlined by your insurance plan. If you have not met your annual deductible you are expected to pay at the time of service.

Office Visits

Our office visit fees are based on the complexity of your medical problem. You will find that the charge for your first visit is higher than for a routine follow-up visit. If you are being seen for a new problem or for a complication relating to an existing problem, you may be charged a higher fee for that visit because of additional examination and work-up needed to evaluate the circumstances.

We, along with our patients, are concerned about the rising cost of health care. It is our policy to charge only for services which are medically necessary.

If you have questions regarding fees, feel free to discuss them with our business office at (520) 290-4263.

Financial Worksheet

Before your scheduled surgical procedure, our office will provide a financial worksheet outlining the estimated cost of the surgery for the surgeon*, your insurance discount and financial responsibility, and what your insurance company is estimated to pay on your behalf.

This worksheet and a minimum of 50% of your financial responsibility is due at least one week prior to the date of the surgical procedure. Payments are accepted in the office or online on our Make A Payment page. The remaining balance is due upon adjudication by your insurance company. There is a $200 charge that will be applied to your account in the event that you do not present for your surgical procedure. This charge will be deducted from any refund due as a result of the cancelled surgical procedure.

Insurance Coverage

If you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage or your financial responsibility, which is assigned by your coverage, please contact your insurance company. We recommend that you have your insurance card handy when you speak with them.

Commonly-Asked Financial Policy Questions

For your convenience, we have answered a variety of commonly-asked financial policy questions. If you need further information about any of these policies, please contact one of our Business Office Representatives 520-290-4264.

No Insurance / Private Pay:

Payment is expected in full at the time of service.

Motor Vehicle Accidents:

Southwest Shoulder Elbow and Hand Center, PC does not file insurance claims for motor vehicle accidents. Payment is expected in full at the time of service.

Commercial Insurance:

We will file all claims to your insurance plan. Your plan indicates the amounts that the patient is responsible for, including co-pay, co-insurance, deductibles, and any non-covered services. We will collect for any charges not covered by plan at the time of service.

Medicare:

We will file all claims to Medicare and rely upon your Medicare Coordination of Benefits (COB) for forwarding to any secondary insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure Medicare has the correct forwarding information. We will collect for any charges not covered by Medicare and your secondary insurance, i.e. co-pay, at the time of service.

Worker's Compensation:

If our office has received your claim information and authorization, no payment is necessary at the time of the visit. If claim information and/or authorization has not been received, payment in full is requested at the time of service.

If You Have...	You Are Responsible For...
No Insurance / Private Pay	Payment is expected in full at the time of service.
Motor Vehicle Accidents	Southwest Shoulder Elbow and Hand Center, PC does not file insurance claims for motor vehicle accidents. Payment is expected in full at time of service.
Commercial Insurance	We will file all claims to your insurance plan. Your plan indicates the amounts that the patient is responsible for, including co-pay, co-insurance, deductibles, and any non-covered services. We will collect for any charges not covered by plan at the time of service.
Medicare	We will file all claims to Medicare and rely upon your Medicare Coordination of Benefits (COB) for forwarding to any secondary insurance. It is your responsibility to ensure Medicare has the correct forwarding information. We will collect for any charges not covered by Medicare and your secondary insurance, i.e. co-pay, at the time of service.
Worker's Compensation	If our office has received your claim information and authorization, no payment is necessary at the time of the visit. If claim information and/or authorization has not been received, payment in full is requested at the time of service.

*The estimate is for the surgeon only. You may receive bills from the surgery center/hospital (facility) and other health care providers. Please note that this financial agreement outlines our best estimate for what will be performed. However, additional or different procedures may be necessary to complete the treatment. We follow the national coding guidelines as issued by the American Medical Association. The estimate includes customary post-operative care in our office as provided by your coverage.