Frequently Asked Questions
EMERGENCY
What do I do if I have an emergency?
For medical emergencies, please go to your nearest medical facility or call 911.
For urgent problems during office hours, call our office at (410) 749-4154. A physician’s liaison will help you determine whether you need to come to the office or go to the hospital emergency room. After hours or on weekends or holidays, your call will be relayed to the appropriate staff member on call. In the case of a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest emergency services facility.
Appointments
When can I schedule an appointment?
We see patients by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
In order to be respectful of the medical needs of other patients, please be courteous and call us promptly if you are unable to show up for an appointment. This time will be reallocated to someone who is in need of treatment. If it is necessary to cancel your scheduled appointment, we require that you call at least 24 hours in advance. A fee may be assessed for failing to cancel a scheduled appointment.
Who can I call if I have questions?
Our staff takes calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (410) 749-4154 if you have questions, need physician feedback or to renew a prescription. A patient liaison will take your message, consult with the physician and make sure your need is addressed appropriately. If you are calling about something you feel needs same-day attention, please alert the receptionist.
Prescription Refills
How can I get my prescription renewed?
Plan to ask the doctor for prescription refills during your office visit. If you need a refill before your next visit, please call or send a message via the patient portal, preferably a week before your medication runs out. Refills will not be issued after regular hours or on weekends. When you call or send a message, please have the name and number of your pharmacy ready for our staff.
Hospital Affiliations
Where will my surgery be performed?
Inpatient surgeries are performed at TidalHealth Regional (TPR), and TidalHealth Nanticoke (THN) where our doctors have privileges. Outpatient procedures are performed at POA Surgery Center and both hospitals.
Medical Records/Confidentiality
Are my medical records kept confidential?
Your medical records are strictly confidential. We will only release copies of your records with your written consent or a court order. Copies of your X-rays can be released for review upon your written request, but must be promptly returned to our office. Please keep our office informed of any change in your personal information or health insurance coverage. Click here for our Privacy Policy.
New Patients
Do I need to fill anything out before I come?
New patients should arrive 20 minutes early to their first visit to complete the necessary forms. The new patient health history form can also be filled out on the patient portal prior to your visit.
What should I bring with me?
Remember to bring your insurance card, prescription card (if applicable), a picture ID, authorizations (if necessary). You may also need to bring: x-rays and written reports, MRI and written reports, original scans and written reports, surgical reports, or contact information, when applicable.
X-rays
Where can I get an x-ray taken?
Certified Radiological Technologists perform X-rays in each of our office locations.
Insurance
Do you accept my insurance?
Below you will find a list of the insurance companies we participate with. We will file your insurance claim with your insurance company. Your insurance company will then pay according to your plan. You are responsible for co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles.
- Medicare
- MD and DE Medicaid
- Johns Hopkins Healthcare/Priority Partners
- Carefirst BCBS
- Highmark BCBS
- Cigna
- United Medical Resources
- Humana
- Veterans Administration
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of MD
- Commonwealth of Virginia (Secondary to Medicare Only)
- Highmark Health Options of Delaware
- Amerihealth Caritas
- Worker’s Compensation
- Personal Injury Protection Coverage
What if you don’t participate with my insurance?
If we do not participate with your insurance company but you have out-of-network coverage, then you are responsible for the full balance after the insurance payment, including any penalties for going out of network. In the case of plans with no out-of-network benefits, you will be responsible for the full balance. If you have any questions about your insurance or how to submit a claim, contact our office for confidential assistance.
Payments and Fees
When do I need to make a payment?
Payment is required at the time of service. If you are unable to pay a large bill at the time of treatment, we will work with you to establish a payment schedule. If you are having financial difficulties, please discuss this with us directly.
How do you determine the fees for my treatment?
Our fees are set according to the time or skill required to address your condition. They are comparable to fees charged by other orthopaedic surgeons in the community. Usually the charge for your initial visit is higher than for follow-up visits. Please note that while your policy may provide coverage for office visits, you will be responsible for any co-pays or deductibles.