I understand, accept, and acknowledge the following terms:
- Payment for all services is my responsibility and is due and payable at the time services are rendered. A current credit card will be kept on file. The credit card number will be stored encrypted and used to cover account balances in accordance with the terms of this policy.
- Payment is due at the time of service. Any contract for insurance coverage is made between my employer, the insurance company, and myself. Gateway
Pediatrics, LLC has no influence over available benefits or the approval of claims. I agree to pay for all charges for services rendered and/or materials furnished for this and any future visit(s).
- If Gateway Pediatrics, LLC is a participating provider with my/my child’s insurance at the time of service, they will submit a claim. If not, I am responsible for payment.
- Claims not paid within a timely manner (30 days) by my/my child’s insurance company, become my immediate responsibility for payment in full.
- I will provide all valid insurance information, including primary and secondary insurance coverage. If a provider’s name is required on the card as your Primary Care Physician (PCP), it must be the name of Gateway Pediatrics, LLC or its providers; if not, payment is my responsibility at the time of service.
- Personal Updates: I am responsible for updating within fifteen (15) days any changes regarding my phone number, address, expired/declined credit cards, and insurance information (including primary and secondary insurance) for myself/my child. Failure to update these does not absolve responsibility for prompt payment.
- Any credit on my account will be a credit only and not refunded by Gateway Pediatrics, LLC unless requested in writing stating the amount due and the
name/address of where to send the refunded payment. All written requests will be verified for accuracy and refunded within 30 days.
- Non-Covered Services: All health plans are not the same and do not cover the same services. In the event my health plan determines a service to be “not covered” I will be responsible for the complete charges. I understand payment is due at the end of the office visit or upon receipt of my/my child’s insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB). EOBs are sent to the insured prior to being sent to Gateway Pediatrics, LLC. Some insurers only send EOBs electronically. I will contact Gateway Pediatrics’ Billing Department ASAP if I disagree with the information on the EOB.
- If I wish to use my/my child’s insurance benefits to cover the cost of any ordered tests, procedures, or visits to third party providers it is my responsibility to contact my insurance carrier to verify available benefits as well as participating facilities, providers, and specialists. Payment is my responsibility under the terms provided by said individuals. Concerns regarding denial of payment for ordered tests, procedures, or visits to third-party providers are to be directed to my/my child’s insurance carrier.
- G2211: This CPT code is added to all permitted visits as per the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Any denial concerns/patient responsibility assigned by your insurance should be directed to your insurer.
- Alternate Vaccine Schedules: Any additional “nurse visits” for vaccinations due to a self-directed immunization schedule is subject to a $35.00 fee, not billed to insurance.
- Well Child Visits / Physicals: Periodic preventative health visits may or may not be covered under my health insurance policy, therefore, I will review my/my child’s individual plan(s) for coverage information. Should one not be covered, and I desire for my child to have one, I will pay for the visit at the time of the service as a self-pay patient. If I have not checked with my insurer, or I did not disclose that the visit would not be covered, I will be responsible for payment in full.
- I will comply with maintaining my child’s Well Child Visits / Physicals as per the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Bright Futures Schedule for Well-Child visits or face dismissal from Gateway Pediatrics, LLC.
- Evening / Weekend / Holidays: If the office chooses to remain open in the evening or weekend or holiday as a convenience to patients and their families, there may be an additional charge applied to the visit (CPT code 99051). Any denial concerns/patient responsibility assigned by your insurance should be directed to your insurer.
- Personal Injury Cases: I understand Gateway Pediatrics, LLC does not bill automobile insurers (e.g. “MVA” or “PIP” incidents) or other liability or lawsuit related cases (such as Worker’s Compensation). We will submit to the insurance on file or I will pay in full at the time of service. Gateway Pediatrics, LLC does not accept liens.
- Minor Patients: For all services rendered to minor patients, I understand that by signing this Financial Policy I am responsible for co-pays / deductibles / etc. and outstanding account balances at the time of service. I authorize use of my Credit Card on File for all balances and charges incurred if the child is brought in by another adult or if unaccompanied. I can choose to call Gateway Pediatrics, LLC prior to the appointment with alternate payment.
- I understand my account will be considered outstanding if balances are not paid within fourteen (14) days from the date from my/my child’s insurer’s EOB. A statement may be generated (with a $5 Statement Fee). Additional statements will incur additional Statement Fees.
- I hereby authorize Gateway Pediatrics, LLC to release any medical information concerning my/my child’s illness and treatment deemed necessary to process this claim and any future claims to all insurers having responsibility for charges incurred. Additionally, I hereby assign all insurance benefits due me be paid to Gateway Pediatrics, LLC. For any amounts not paid by me, I direct all insurers pay directly to Gateway Pediatrics, LLC all such benefits. I understand that I am responsible for any amounts not covered by insurance. A copy of this signature is as valid as the original.
- FEES: Any statement generated will incur a Statement Fee of $5.00. (Effective 6/1/19). Returned checks unpaid by my financial institution will be subject to a Returned Check Fee of $35.00. An account is considered outstanding if not paid within thirty (30) days of the invoice/bill and may bear interest of 24% per annum (2% monthly).
COLLECTION POLICY & AGREEMENT
If payment is not made as agreed, account balances, including all charges and reasonable collection costs, may be sent to outside collection agencies or attorneys for legal action. Accounts over 90 days delinquent may be turned over to our attorney, with the entire unpaid balance declared immediately due. The undersigned agrees to pay all cost of collection equal to thirty-five (35%), including, but not limited to, court costs, attorneys’ fees equal to fifteen percent (15%) of any amount due and owing to Gateway Pediatrics, LLC, and any other collection fees which are incurred by or on behalf of Gateway Pediatrics, LLC in enforcing payment after default. Legal action will occur in Wicomico County, Maryland, unless Gateway Pediatrics, LLC decides otherwise, and the undersigned waives objections to venue or jurisdiction. A copy of this agreement is as valid as the original. Gateway Pediatrics, LLC will discharge the entire family of a guarantor sent to collections (with 30 days' notice). Payment of the balance and collection costs is required to return as a patient.
I have read and understand the financial policy of the practice and I agree to be bound by its terms for payment of all professional fees. By signing this statement, you and your designated parties have agreed that the insurance information you have provided to GATEWAY PEDIATRICS, LLC is the only health insurance coverage for the patient. I understand and agree that such terms may be amended by the practice. The patient/parent/adult signing below is ultimately responsible for all professional fees.