Financial Policy

It is the policy of Richmond Allergy and Asthma Specialists to work with and be fair with all patients when it comes to financial matters. To ensure Richmond Allergy maintains financial stability and can continue to provide medical services to the community and region, the following credit policies shall be enforced.  If you have any questions or need for special consideration, please do not hesitate to call our business office.

Patient Responsibility

The patient is ultimately responsible for all charges incurred.  For minor patients, the parent bringing the minor for treatment will be considered the financially responsible party.

Assignment of Benefits

The practice will bill insurance plans as a courtesy for our patients if the patient provides the required insurance information and signs an assignment of benefits statement.  It is recommended that the patient also verify allergy benefits with the insurance company prior to coming in for the initial appointment.

Non-Covered Services

Payment for all charges which are not covered by insurance are due and payable at the time of service. This includes any deductibles, co pays and/or coinsurance and durable goods.

Third Party Litigation

The practice will not become involved in disputes arising from third party claims (i.e., automobile accidents, liability claims, etc.) with the exception of verified Workers' Comp claims, or claims involving Medicare and Medicaid.

Uninsured Patients

When patients are not covered by insurance all incurred charges are due and payable at the time of service unless prior arrangements are made with the business office.  If a patient is determined to be financially indigent and no source of financial assistance is available, the office will review the account for a charity or sliding scale allowance.

Payment Agreements

When a balance due cannot be paid at the time of service or when the balance becomes due, a payment agreement will be required in order to approve payment arrangements.

Payment Arrangements

If a patient is unable to make full payment of the patient balance when due, partial payment may be approved in accordance with credit and collection procedures. A patient financial evaluation will be required to determine appropriate payment arrangements.  All information given regarding the ability to pay will be subject to verification.

Payment Methods

The following payment methods will be accepted: cash, personal checks, money orders, VISA, MasterCard or Discover.

Delinquent or Bad Debt Accounts

Patients with unpaid or delinquent accounts or accounts which have been transferred to collections may be denied treatment for non-emergency services.

Referral for Outside Collections

Accounts that cannot be collected by the business office after normal in-house collection procedures may be referred to a collection agency, magistrate or attorney for further collection action in accordance with the physicians' established guidelines.

Refunds

Overpayments will be refunded to the appropriate party, normally the insurance company or guarantor. Patient refunds will not be processed until all active or past due accounts are paid in full. Refund of less than $5.00 will not be issued unless specifically requested.