Frequently Asked Billing/Insurance Questions
Will my skin cancer screening be covered as “preventative”?
- Different insurance plans define “preventative” in their own way. The only way to ensure that your skin cancer screening will be covered as a preventative service is to call your insurance company and verify your benefits. Most plans do not include skin cancer screenings under your preventative care benefits.
- Any applicable copays, deductibles and/or coinsurance would apply to skin cancer screening appointments.
Why am I receiving extra bills for my pathology services?
- If you have a tissue biopsy done, you will receive a separate bill from SkinPath or DermTech in addition to your bills from Fayette Area Dermatology, as their pathologists perform the analysis of the tissue. Fayette Area Dermatology will bill for the biopsy and technical processing of the tissue sample. There may be times where additional diagnostic testing needs to be done at a reference lab to support the diagnosis; therefore, you will receive an additional bill for these services if applicable.
I have been a patient for years; why is my visit billed as a “new patient visit”?
- The American Medical Association and your insurance give physicians a specific set of codes that we can use to bill for office visits. These codes indicate that a new patient is any patient that has not been seen within the last three years.
How do I know if my insurance will cover my visit or surgery? How much will it cost?
- Coverage varies with each insurance company, so please refer to your insurance member handbook or call your insurance company with questions about what's covered. Deductibles, Coinsurance and Copays will be applicable for covered services.
- Please contact the billing office to request an estimate. Any estimates given are a general quote of benefits and are not a guarantee of payment. Actual payment is based on your insurance benefits. You should always check with your insurance company regarding your specific benefit.
When will I receive a bill? When am I responsible for my bill?
- If you have given us complete insurance information and we are in network with your insurance, you will not receive a bill until your insurance:
- paid the claim and there is a coinsurance, copay, deductible, or non-covered service for which you are responsible
- denies the claim
- notifies us that information is needed from patient before claim can be processed
- determines your coverage is not valid or cannot be verified for the date the services were provided
What is a referral or prior authorization?
- Some insurance plans require a referral when seeking care from a specialist. A referral is completed by your primary care physician and is sent to your insurance company. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary referrals. A referral means that your primary care physician has approved for you to see a doctor outside of your primary clinic. A referral DOES NOT guarantee payment from your insurance company.
- Fayette Area Dermatology will work with you and your insurance company to obtain prior authorizations for certain services. Prior authorization means that a proposed medical visit/treatment is medically reasonable and necessary. A prior authorization DOES NOT guarantee payment from your insurance company.
What are my options if I am experiencing financial hardship?
- If you are experiencing financial hardship, please call the business office at 470-204-7802 to discuss your specific situation. We cannot help you unless we hear from you. If you cannot pay your portion of the medical bill in full, the business office will work with you. If you do not have insurance or money to pay your bill, there may still be options available for you.
- We offer monthly payment plans.