FAQ
Telephone Calls
Existing patients are encouraged to call with any questions they have pertaining to medical problems that we have treated. Our nursing staff will relay information to the doctor and return your call at the earliest opportunity. For your convenience, we provide a voicemail service where you can leave a message that will be returned. If you believe you have an emergency, then you should contact your nearest emergency room.
We do not provide medical advice to those who do not have an established patient relationship with us. We encourage those who have questions to schedule an appointment, so that we may fully address your needs.
Fees and Payments
We make every effort to minimize the cost of your medical care with us. You can assist us by paying upon completion of each visit. Other arrangements can be made depending on your insurance coverage or special circumstances. Payments can be made in the form of cash, check, or credit card. If you have questions regarding your account, please call the billing department at (509) 624-1184.
Questions regarding fees are welcome. All cosmetic procedures are to be paid for in full at the time the procedure is performed.
Insurance and Insurance Forms
We try to simplify the preparation of insurance claims and thereby hold down costs unrelated to the delivery of quality medical care. We bill directly to most major health insurance plans as an additional service to our patients. Please verify that your insurance information and address is correct with our receptionist. Many insurance plans require a referral from a primary care provider in order for your visit to be considered a covered benefit. It is your responsibility to maintain a current referral for all initial and subsequent follow-up visits to the clinic. Upon your request, our receptionist can check your referral status for your convenience. Please remember that medical insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company. Payment of the professional fee remains your responsibility. Please feel free to discuss insurance questions with our billing department.
Medical Records
The exchange between physician and patient is a private matter and your records will be kept confidential. In compliance with federal regulations, no information will be released to outside parties without your written permission. If you have special concerns, please discuss them directly with the doctor or practice administrator.
Prescription Refills
Please call your pharmacy at least 24 hours in advance of when you need a prescription refilled. This will allow sufficient time for the pharmacy to contact our practice for authorization. Prescriptions will not be refilled if you do not return for appropriate visits or if you have not been seen for more than one calendar year. Prescriptions are not routinely filled over the weekends and holidays.
Privacy Practices Statement
Our mission is to improve your dermatologic health. To provide you with quality healthcare, it is necessary to gather and share information. We want to assure you that while our first priority is to improve your dermatologic health, we are also committed to safeguarding your privacy. We want you to understand how we use "private personal information" such as your name, address and Social Security number to provide you with medical services and serve you better. THIS STATEMENT DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN OBTAIN ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Uses and Disclosures
Your medical information will be used by Spokane Dermatology Clinic, on your behalf, to enable treatment, obtain payment for services, and in the health care operations of Spokane Dermatology Clinic, including quality assurance. From time to time, Spokane Dermatology Clinic may contact you for the purpose of appointment reminders or information about treatment alternatives or services that may be of interest and benefit to you. OTHER USES AND DISCLOSURES OF YOUR INFORMATION WILL BE MADE ONLY WITH YOUR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION WHICH YOU MAY REVOKE AT ANY TIME BY PROVIDING US WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE REVOCATION.
You have the following rights with respect to your medical information:
- The right to inspect and copy protected health information;
- The right to request that your protected health information be amended;
- The right to receive an accounting of protected health information for other than treatment, payment or operations purposes (referred to as non-routine disclosures);
- The right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of protected health information, which we shall review to make a determination as to whether or not such request will be accepted;
- The right to receive confidential communications about your protected health information;
- The right to request and receive paper copy of this Privacy Practices Statement.
We are required by law, professional ethics, and guidelines to maintain the privacy of your protected health information. We are also required by law to provide you with this legal notice of our duties and privacy practices with respect to your medical information. We shall abide by the terms of this Privacy Practices Statement that are currently in effect. We reserve the right to change the terms of our Privacy Practices Statement and to make the new statement provisions effective for all protected health information that we maintain. You may request a paper copy of this Privacy Practices Statement by calling (509) 624-1184.
Concerns
If you believe that your privacy rights have been violated, you may express your concern to the HIPAA Compliance Officer and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Your concerns must be filed in writing.