Policies & Forms
Important information, policies, and forms for our patients and families.
Financial Policy
We are committed to providing you with the best possible care and customer experience. We created this policy to clearly communicate important parts of our business relationship to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Please read this thoroughly and ask questions about anything you don't understand.
Health Insurance & Claims
Your health insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance plan to see if a particular physician participates with that insurance plan. Likewise, you need to be aware of your carrier's rules, regulations and payment policies.
For the many plans we DO participate with, we will file claims electronically. For those plans we DO NOT participate with, the patient is expected to pay for services and seek reimbursement on their own.
Copayments & Reimbursement
If your insurance plan requires a copayment that payment must be collected at the time of service. If payment cannot be made at that time we may reschedule your appointment. Some services are not covered by all insurance providers. If your insurance provider does not cover a service you will be responsible for payment. If you are having financial difficulties please call us before your appointment.
Copays and balances are due at the time of service.
Newborns
The process to add a newborn to an insurance policy can take time. We will make every effort to assist you in the process. In the first two months of life a newborn is seen frequently. At the first visit, and each visit until your policy is updated, you will be asked to sign an insurance waiver which states the newborn is not yet on an insurance policy. By signing this waiver you agree to be personally responsible for payment in the event the newborn is not added to your policy by the two-month well-child visit.
Minors
All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The accompanying adult is responsible for payment of the account according to this Financial Policy.
Payments & Collections
We accept cash, check and most credit cards. You can pay in-person, over the phone, via our website or using our patient portal. We will charge you a $30.00 fee for returned checks. If a refund is due we will issue it as soon as possible.
Our office will make every effort to communicate with you about your account and will present reasonable options for payment. If you have a balance on your account we will send you a monthly statement. If your account is 90 days past due and you haven't contacted our billing department to discuss payment options, the account will be turned over to collections. If your account is sent to our collection agency your family may be terminated from the practice.
Late Policy
All patients should arrive 10 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment in order to ensure all paperwork is completed before the start of your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late we will reschedule your appointment. If necessary we will attempt to reschedule for the same day but if we are unable you may be assessed a "no-show".
No-show Policy
We understand that unexpected things happen which could prevent you from keeping your appointment with us. With that in mind, we expect you to notify us as soon as you know you cannot make a scheduled appointment. In the event that you fail to notify us within 2 hours of your appointment (except in circumstances out of your control) you will be assessed a "no-show" appointment. Three no-shows per family per 12-month period will result in the family being discharged from our practice.
HIPAA Privacy Policy
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires healthcare providers to protect the privacy and security of your health information. At Muskegon Pediatrics, we are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your child's medical records and personal health information.
Our HIPAA Privacy Policy describes how we may use and disclose your child's protected health information to carry out treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your child's protected health information.
We take your privacy seriously and have implemented appropriate safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. Our staff is trained in HIPAA compliance and we regularly review our policies and procedures to ensure we maintain the highest standards of privacy protection.
Vaccine Policy
Muskegon Pediatrics firmly understands the disease prevention and life saving benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. All children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
We understand you may have concerns about vaccinations and we are here to help you navigate the care of your children. That said, it is our policy that if parents choose to deviate from the accepted schedule and delay routine vaccinations beyond 4 months of their first appointment, they will be discharged from our practice.
We are always available to answer questions on this topic. Contact our office for more information.
Information for Parents:
Patient Centered Medical Home
At Muskegon Pediatrics, PLC we are committed to serving as your child's Patient Centered Medical Home. We are pleased that you think of us first when you think of your child's healthcare needs. We promise to partner with you to help give your child the best possible care.
What does Patient-Centered Medical Home mean?
The medical home is best described as a model of primary care that is patient-centered, and strives for excellence of care. It is a model of health care that encourages providers and care teams to meet patients where they are, from the simplest to the most complex conditions.
The medical home model is where patients are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion. Providers, parents, and patients work as partners to develop trusting relationships and plan of care so that the best possible care is provided for your child. The medical home is not a final destination, but is a model for achieving excellent primary care so that patients receive care in the right place, at the right time, and the manner that best meets the patient's needs.
As your child's Patient Centered Medical Home we promise to:
- Provide care for short-term illnesses and long-term diseases and problems.
- Respect you and your child's individual needs.
- Lead and manage your child's healthcare from infancy through adolescence.
- Handle your child's care and medical records with privacy.
- Provide same-day appointments when your child is ill and Urgent Care access for non-emergency care when our office is closed.
- Refer your child to community resources that fit your needs.
- Give your child tools and support to prevent lasting health problems now and later in his/her life.
As your child's Patient Centered Medical Home we ask you to help us:
- Call us first for all your child's healthcare needs.
- Work with us to build and follow a plan of care for your child.
- Let us know if your child is unable to take his/her medications, or if you are unable to follow the plan of care.
- Inform us of any illnesses treated or medications prescribed for your child outside of our office.
- Inform us of hospital stays, ER or urgent care visits, or care rendered by a specialist to whom we did not refer your child.
- Tell us about your needs and concerns for your child.
- Ask for help if you do not understand something.
- Give us feedback so we can improve our care and services.
Let us partner with you for your child's complete care. For more information, request one of our brochures or ask one of our staff members.
Questions About Our Policies?
Our staff is here to help clarify any questions you may have about our policies or forms.