One of the many goals we have at Doctors Care is to teach our patients responsible use of the health care system. The reason for this is so that one day when our patients do get health care, they are familiar with how to work within our current health care system. As the Patient Care Coordinator here at Doctors Care, I am often asked many questions about how our Sliding-Fee-Scale Program works. I know this program can be quite confusing at times, and part of my job is to help our patients successfully navigate it. With that being said, I though it would be helpful to list some of the most common questions I get asked and their answers!
1. I have received my first Doctors Care card and see that it expires in three months, what do I do then?
The first card you receive is only for three months. This is considered a probationary period to ensure that you use Doctors Care in an appropriate manner. If you successfully comply with the rules of the program, you will receive another card for another three months. Please note all program rules are outlined in the Sliding-Fee-Scale Program Guidelines, the Contract for Participation, and a copy of the PowerPoint presentation you viewed at the Group Information Session. These are very helpful resources to keep handy and read over when you have a question about the program.
1. I have received my first Doctors Care card and see that it expires in three months, what do I do then?
The first card you receive is only for three months. This is considered a probationary period to ensure that you use Doctors Care in an appropriate manner. If you successfully comply with the rules of the program, you will receive another card for another three months. Please note all program rules are outlined in the Sliding-Fee-Scale Program Guidelines, the Contract for Participation, and a copy of the PowerPoint presentation you viewed at the Group Information Session. These are very helpful resources to keep handy and read over when you have a question about the program.
Patient Guidelines (175 KB)
Contract for Participation (88 KB)
2. I went to my Primary Care Provider (PCP) and s/he recommended that I see a specialist (i.e. Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Podiatrist, Neurologist, Orthopedic, Physical Therapist, Counseling, etc.), what should I do?
Ask your physician to write you out a prescription for whatever specialist is needed or to call our office with the referral. You may bring the prescription in yourself or you or the doctor’s office may fax or email it to me, Char Patton. All specialist referrals must go through Doctors Care in order to be covered. I will contact you with the name and phone number of a specialist once it’s approved. Please note that it is very important to call this specialist right away to set up your first appointment.
3. Are there any services Doctors Care does not cover?
Unfortunately Doctors Care does not cover eye exams, dental, or wellness exams (physicals and screening/preventative procedures). There are other places in the community that offer these services at a little or no cost.
4. What do I do with any bills that I receive?
Please check any bills to see if they have applied the Doctors Care discount. If they have not, you will need to call and politely inquire if they take Doctors Care. If they do, let them know you are on the program. Sometimes they will ask you to send a copy of your card. That is your responsibility. If you have been in the ER, please note that we do not help with the ER physician bill and not all of the doctors you have seen in the ER are obligated to extend the discount. Following up on all bills received is the responsibility of the patient. If you are having a difficult time after trying, then you may give me, Char, a call!
5. My Doctor needs me to get some blood work and other tests done, where do I go?
Never get your blood work drawn at your doctor’s office! It will be sent to a third-party who does not work with Doctors Care. It is important that you go to your assigned hospital’s lab for any blood work or other required lab tests. You may receive up to three different bills for this, and that is normal. The hospital may be able to give you an estimate as to your portion of responsibility, but that will only include the hospital’s portion.
6. What is renewal paperwork, and what do I do with it?
Your membership with Doctors Care has to be renewed every six months in order to stay active on the Doctors Care Sliding-Fee-Scale Program. We do send out a renewal packet about one month before your card expires. It is up to the patient to make sure this packet is received, filled out completely (with updated financial and other listed paperwork on the application) and returned to Doctors Care no later than one business day before the expiration date listed on your card. There is no grace-period.
7. Why must I have a medical condition in order to apply for the Doctors Care Sliding-Fee-Scale Program?
Our mission here at Doctors Care is to provide access to affordable health care to those in need of medical services. Our primary goal is not to adjust prior medical bills, though we do offer that service to those who qualify for the Sliding-Fee-Scale Program for ongoing medical care. In addition, we are a two-year-lifetime limited program. If you are not in need of medical services, we do not want you to use up your two years.
These are just some of the more frequently asked questions I hear everyday. Everyone’s situation is unique, just like the individual. Hopefully this will answer some of your questions. Please remember, it is one of my goals to help our patients successfully navigate our system, so please, if you have a question, remember you can always call and ask me, Char, the Patient Care Coordinator here at Doctors Care!
Blog post contributed by Doctors Care Patient Care Coordinator Char Patton
