We want to make sure you can get the care you need.
There was a time for most of us when life had no financial
considerations. Unfortunately, as adults we have no choice but to plan and budget in every area of life. And quality
health care, especially for cancer, can become a real drain on the resources.
We are committed to making sure
that every suitable candidate who wants to obtain treatment here can do so. While we believe strongly that dedicated
and attentive medical care is a thing of value and that the physician deserves to make a living along with everyone
else, we believe just as strongly in helping out where there's a true need. We also know that every person, regardless
of means, appreciates being treated fairly and knowing what to expect.
We don't receive any funding from the government
or industry, and therefore we must depend on patients' reasonable fees to cover the costs of our work. We will do several
things to make sure the financial aspect of your care is as fair as possible. First, our fees are set in reference
to those recognized as reasonable in our area. Many patients will find that their expenses here are considerably less
than what they've been accustomed to. To put that in perspective, consider that the professional fees for the entire
first year of your treatment here are often less than the cost of a root canal treatment and crown or a big-screen television set. We're also happy to let you know our best expectation of
the cost of your services in advance. Don't hesitate to ask.
Next, we offer flexibility on your account.
Payment for services is not due until 21 days following each visit (with the one exception of a preliminary conference, as
discussed on the "Getting Started" page). However, if you pay your account sooner we'll offer you a discount
for helping us meet our expenses and simplify our accounting. Accounts paid within ten days of your visit will receive
5% off, and those paid at the time of your visit by debit card or check will receive an additional 2% off.* We are happy
to accept major credit cards as well.
Many people ask us why we set our fees so low, especially considering the unusual level of personal attention provided
here. Most cancer clinics charge many times what we do, and we have no doubt that we could easily charge ten or
even twenty times as much. The reason we don't is simple. We see no reason to charge more just because we can.
Many families would hardly notice the difference, but for some it could add to difficult circumstances. We would much
rather finish each day knowing that we have been more than fair to every patient.
What about insurance?
We do not bill insurance companies or other third parties
directly nor do we allow them to dictate our fees, and our office staff cannot serve as your insurance liaison. We provide
services directly to you and payment for services is your responsibility. If you have an insurance carrier who will
reimburse some or all of your expenses, as many do, we will be happy to help you assemble the documents needed to submit a
claim. We are also happy to take all reasonable steps to communicate with your insurance company to provide them needed
information to approve your usage of these medicines. However initiating actions with your carrier is not a responsibility
we can take on for you.
What about the costs of medicines and related studies?
Most of the medicines you'll use
in this treatment program are fairly inexpensive but one of them can be much more expensive. If you have prescription
drug insurance coverage, it will usually cover these costs just like any of your other prescriptions since everything we use
is freely available at any pharmacy. (Please note that we cannot predict what your insurance carrier will do nor
can we control them. We will support your claims in every way we reasonably can, but ultimately your insurance matters
are between you and your insurance provider.) The same will probably be true for lab studies ("blood work")
and imaging studies which will be necessary from time to time. We also have arrangements with several outstanding clinical
labs in our area which allow us to offer significant discounts to any patients who do not have insurance to cover these.
What about
financial hardship?
We are committed to help. First, if a church or other IRS-approved charitable
organization or place of worship certifies that they are covering your costs because they have determined that you and/or
your family are unable, we will deduct 40% from all your charges. If this is not an option for you, we are very willing
to consider the details of your situation and, when warranted, apply objective criteria to reduce your costs to an affordable
level. If either of these apply to you, don't hesitate to ask. We'll work with you to go over the details of what
you'll need to document and what we can do. In every case, you can be assured that you'll be afforded discretion and
respect, and your treatment will never be different from any other person. Every patient we see receives the best care
we can give.
What
if others want to help?
Your family and friends may want to help you receive care, or you may wish to help
someone else. We are happy to offer gift certificates in any amount, and we'll stretch their value even further for
you by appying the prompt payment discounts mentioned above when you redeem them.
We want to make sure you
can receive what you need. Please feel free to ask any questions that we haven't covered here.
*The prompt payment discount does not apply
to the charge for the preliminary conference since payment for that service is due at the time of service.
Gift
certificates are paid for in full at the time purchased. A patient redeeming a gift certificate will receive a prompt
payment discount upon its redemption if the gift certificate pays the account in full or is combined with additional payment
to pay the account in full.
The gift certificate bearer will be eligible for a 5% discount if the certificate was paid for by credit card or a 7% discount
if it was paid for by debit card or check.
