Q-Are you accepting new patients?
Q-Do you take Medicare?
Q-Do you take Medicaid?
Q-Are you a provider to my insurance?
Q-How do I know if podiatric services are covered?
Q-How do you bill my insurance?
Q-What about co-payments?
Q-What about deductables?
Q-What if I don't have any insurance?
Q-What if I can't make my appointment?
Q-What if I have an emergency and need to see Dr. Latham today?
Q-What if I need to have surgery?
Q-Does my insurance cover surgeries by a Podiatrist?
A-YES!
A-Yes. We require a copy of your Medicare card at your initial visit.
A-Yes. We require a copy of your current months card at each visit.
A-We are more than likely to be a provider, we work with many insuarnce companies. We require a copy of your insurance cards on your initial visit and other visits if any information has changed. For example: plan code is changed, policy number is changed, the name of the company has changed or the fact that you no longer have insurance. It is your responsibility and in your best interest to let us know immediately if there is a change in your insurance coverage.
A-You can call the phone number that is usually on the back of your insurance card. Some insurance companies require a referral from your primary care physician before you are seen, your doctor should know about that.
A-Electronically and through the mail. We send a bill to your Primary insurance then they send the rest of the information on to your Secondary (should you have one and the Primary insurance knows about it) and so on. Some insurance companies require that you send in a form on your own.
A-Co-pays are expected at the time service is rendered.
A-You should be aware of what is left on your deductable, as you will be responsible for the amount remaining.
A-If you have a need for our services, don't be afraid to acquire it. We expect payment for your first visit up front, then we will work out a payment plan for you. All we ask is that there is no break in communication. We're people too... we don't bite.
A-We appreciate at least 24 hours notice, but we understand that schedules get messed up or forgotten and that other emergencies arise.
A-If you have a problem that needs prompt medical attention, please go to the emergency room and then follow up with Dr. Latham. If Dr. Latham is aware of an ongoing problem and the problem isn't serious enough for a trip to the emergency room, we will make every effort to fit you into the schedule as soon as possible.
A-Dr. Latham performs surgeries in his office and at the Samaritan Hospital, depending on the type of surgery performed.
A-Most do. We call your insurance before the planned surgery to find out if pre-certification is required. Most surgeries are of an "out-patient" nature and most insurances don't need pre-certification for an out-patient surgery, whether it be in the office or the hospital. If the insurance needs pre-certification they will let us know what they require.