Financial and Insurance

PAYMENT POLICY

We are committed to the success of your medical treatment and care. Please understand that payment of your bill is part of this treatment and care.

All patients must complete our Patient Information Form. We believe that a good relationship is based on understanding and open communications. Our staff has been instructed to make every effort to clarify any issues concerning your balance.

For your convenience, we have answered a variety of commonly-asked financial policy questions below. If you need further information about any of these policies, please ask to speak with a patient representative or the Practice Manager.

How May I Pay?

We accept payment by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. For your convenience, our billing office is staffed Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The phone number is (706) 295-5150. You are expected to make payment in full upon receipt of a bill showing your balance due or according to the terms below:

Payment Plans

Payment Plans may be established following the terms below. An account set up on a payment plan is considered delinquent four (4) days after the agreed upon payment date. Please call the office to establish a payment plan at (706) 295-5150.

Balance Due

Terms

$149.99 or less

2 Months

$150 - $299.99

3 Months

$300+

6 Months

When is my account delinquent?

An account is considered past due 30 days following billing unless other arrangements have been made. Unpaid accounts beyond 90 days are considered delinquent and may be forwarded to our collection agency and will have a service fee/billing fee added.

Are there Service Charges?

There will be a billing fee of $20.00 added to each statement billed after 75 days of service.

Is Interest Charged?

Patients with an outstanding balance over 60 days will be charged interest of 18%.

Phone calls to Doctors

Our providers will not be doing telephone medicine; if you need to talk your doctor we will give you an appointment. Calling the doctors after hours will result in a charge which insurances do not pay-making you responsible.

Do I Need A Referral?

If you have an HMO plan with which we are contracted, you need a referral authorization in order to see a specialist. Most specialists will reschedule your appointment if you do not have a referral beforehand. You will most likely need to be seen first at VHC in order to evaluate the appropriateness of a referral.

What Is My Financial Responsibility for Services?

Your financial responsibility depends on a variety of factors. Claims that have not been paid in 45 days will be automatically billed to you and we can assist you in refilling your insurance at your request.

What about missed appointments?

We would appreciate your help and courtesy of a call if you are unable to keep an appointment. Please notify our office at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the appointment time. After two missed appointments, we reserve the right to charge you a missed appointment fee of $45.00. At this time, you will be asked to keep a credit card on file to make an appointment. Four missed appointments are grounds for patient discharge.

Returned Check Fee

A fee of $25.00 will be charged for all returned checks. This fee will be charged even if the check clears after trying a second time. After a second time of this occurring, you may be asked to keep a credit card on file.

Legal Fee:

Any patient sent to collections will be responsible for all collection fees. If a patient is taken to small claims court the patient will be responsible for all fees/charges.

INSURANCE

Insurance Plans Accepted at Valley Health Care:

**Please call the office if your insurance carrier is not listed**

Insurance Plans We Do Not Accept:

Amerigroup

Georgia Better Health Care

Medicaid – not with new patients

Peachcare

Tricare Prime “Champus”

Wellcare