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Dr. Ernest Braxton
Cell: 970-393-2366
NPI # 1407080716
Specialty: Spine and Neurological Surgery, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Holley Spears, PA-C
Cell: 704-907-2196
NPI:1215329370
*Holley has her own template on Mondays or when Dr. Braxton is out of town
Practice Manager and SX Scheduling- Lori Fugate
DialPad: Ext 4506
Cell: 303-668-1651
Tiffany Walker, RN
Lori Fugate-Surgery Questions and SX check in times send to X4506
Tiffany Walker Medical- PCP clearances, pre-op and post-op questions, ski notes/refunds, FMLA/FAMLI paperwork, handicap parking, and medication refills, send to 970.477.4445
Procedure Authorizations and Benefits: Sx Schedulers x6551
braxtonteam@vsortho.com (DO NOT give to patients)
NP appointments Spine Line/Referral Line Ext 4106
Effective 10/1/2024 Braxton will NO longer be contracted with Medicare and VA/Tricare. Please be sure to put these insurances as Secondary
FD can make FU appointments
Dr. Braxton DOES NOT do Work Comp cases unless it's for a first responder and it's done on a case by case situation
Scheduling Guidelines – Dr. Braxton
Scheduling Guidelines – Dr. Braxton
NP-Over 1yr since last visit or new body part
Do not change appointment types.
If a change is made (or approved by the team), add a General Note with the team member's name, your initials, and the date.
Will See: Cervical, Lumbar, some Thoracic, and Scoliosis
→ Note: Does not treat scoliosis with complex surgery.Only one body part per visit.
MRI reviews go in a follow-up slot.
→ Patient must have images and report.Patients under 18: Ask the team before scheduling.
Not contracted with Medicare.
New Patient Cancellations
New Patient Cancellations
Cancel the appointment in the system.
Email the referrals team with the date and time so they can backfill from the cancellation list.
Phone Notes
Phone Notes
Always check existing notes before adding a new one to avoid duplicates.
Virtual Visits: (virtual ZOOM)
Dr. Braxton – Link sent at time of scheduling and 30 minutes prior to the appointment. The patient is informed of this process during scheduling and via email.
Front Desk/CC DOES NOT schedule these appointments!! Only the team schedules Telehealth/televisit. Please put a phone note to the team when a patient request this type of appointment.
MRI and CT Scan Review Appointments
MRI and CT Scan Review Appointments
All MRI and CT scan reviews must be scheduled only with Dr. Braxton.
Medicare Update – Effective October 1, 2024
Medicare Update – Effective October 1, 2024
Dr. Braxton is no longer contracted with Medicare.
Holley Spears remains contracted and will continue seeing Medicare patients.
For all billing and other questions, please contact Lori Fugate.
How to Talk About It
How to Talk About It
✅ Say: “Dr. Braxton is no longer contracted with Medicare.” You can also give them Lori's number (970.477.7407)
❌ Don’t say: “Dr. Braxton doesn’t take Medicare.”
Fees for Dr. Braxton (Starting Oct 1, 2024)
Fees for Dr. Braxton (Starting Oct 1, 2024)
New Patient Visit: $350
Post-Surgery Care:
Follow-up appointments for 90 days = Free
1-year follow-up visits = Free
Durable medical equipment (DME) is included in the surgery fee
Why the Change?
Why the Change?
Better Care – Fewer restrictions, more personalized plans
Faster Scheduling – Often within 1–2 business days
More Face Time – Focus on patient education and minimally invasive options
Medicare Still Covers:
Hospital/surgery center
Anesthesia
Implants
Medical equipment
Patients must sign an Opt-Out Contract to see Dr. Braxton
Scheduling Medicare / Medicare Secondary / Advantage Patients
Scheduling Medicare / Medicare Secondary / Advantage Patients
1. Appointment Type
1. Appointment Type
Use “medicarefu” for follow-ups
Let patients know Dr. Braxton is no longer in-network
Transfer to Lori Fugate or give her business card
2. Template Use
2. Template Use
Holley will maintain a blank schedule specifically for clinic days with Dr. Braxton.
This template is for Braxton Team only.
Holley will have a template available every other Monday.
3. Opt-Out Contract
3. Opt-Out Contract
Required for all Medicare, Secondary, and Advantage patients
Must be resigned every 2 years
Contracts sent via secure text (if applicable) or manually handled
4. Preparing for Appointments (EB/HS Patients)
4. Preparing for Appointments (EB/HS Patients)
Check for a Global Alert for a signed Opt-Out Contract
If signed: Verify it’s in Patient Docs, mark as reviewed, and set expiry to Sept 30, 2026
If not signed: Add contract to clipboard with ODI and NDI forms
Important Reminders
Important Reminders
Stay compliant to avoid billing issues
Document everything: Signed contracts, forms, and notes in the chart
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