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Q. What do I need to bring with me for my visit?
A. To better ensure a successful visit, please bring your insurance card(s), identification, co-pay and all pertinent medical records and diagnostics (i.e., x-rays, MRIs, CTs, lab work) to your appointment. If you are a new patient, you should prepare for your first visit with us by downloading and completing our Patient Forms.
Q. Why do I have to bring my MRI/X-ray/etc. with me?
A. We like to have all of the information in order to develop an accurate diagnosis for you. If a facility says it will mail the images to us, they may not arrive in time for your appointment. This may necessitate another appointment for you.
Q. Why do I need to come in? Why can't I get my test results over the phone?
A. Your physician reviews both the report that the radiologist provides and the films. Discussions involving your orthopaedic health are too important to dismiss with a phone call. Coming in to see our physician will permit more accurate relay of the results and also allow for questions and concerns to be addressed.
Q. Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to see you?
A. Depending upon your insurance carrier, you may or may not need a referral from your primary care provider. Please check with your primary care physician to find out if you need a referral, or contact our billing department by calling 443-444-6563.
Q. In which offices are the doctors available to see patients?
A. We have six offices where we see patients. Please click here for their locations and the physicians who practice at a particular site.
Q. Why is the doctor only in on certain days, and where is he when he's not in the office?
A. When the doctor is not at a particular office, he is usually in surgery or at a different office.
Q. To which hospitals do your doctors admit patients?
A. Hospital affiliation varies from physician to physician. The hospital most frequently used is Good Samaritan Hospital. Other hospitals include Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). The final decision is between you and your surgeon, depending on insurance coverage.
Q. What is a PA-C?
A. A PA-C is a Physician Assistant-Certified. Our PAs are an integral part of our team. For more information and a list of our PA-Cs, please click here.
Q. I have a question about my prescription medication. With whom should I speak?
A. For questions or requests regarding prescriptions and refills, please contact the physician assistant who is teamed with your surgeon by dialing 443-444-4730. If it is after hours, your call will be answered during the next business day.
Q. Is it possible for me to see one doctor for my multiple orthopaedic ailments?
A. One physician can see you initially for all of your orthopaedic needs; however, due to the extensive sub-specialty training our physicians have received, different conditions may be best treated by different physicians. This will be decided after an evaluation.
Q. Can I be seen for another body part too?
A. If your insurance is an HMO. we would need a referral for the other body part. When making your appointment, please identify the body part(s) for which you would like to be seen.
Q. Which insurance plans do you accept?
A. Please click here to see a list of Insurance companies with whom we participate.
Q. How much will the visit cost?
A. Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital will make every attempt to assist you in your financial planning by providing a general quote for any future visits; however, since there are many variables that can change on a case-by-case basis, these quotes are only an estimate of the costs expected. Please contact our Business Office at (443) 444-6563 for information on the cost of your future visit.
Q. Why do I have to pay a copay?
A. Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital does not make determinations about co-pays; this is determined by your specific insurance company. We have signed an agreement with the insurance plans with whom we participate to collect a co-pay for any charges incurred during your visit. It is the patient's responsibility to pay his or her co-pay at the time of service.
Q. What is my deductible?
A. The deductible part of your insurance coverage requires that you pay a certain amount yourself (e.g.; $500) before your insurance will begin paying claims. Once you have paid the total amount of your deductible (whether to one or more providers), your insurance will begin paying on claims. Deductibles vary by insurance company so you should consult your policy to determine your deductible amount.
Q. What information do you need to bill my insurance?
A. A copy of your insurance card (front and back), name of the policy holder and his or her date of birth, group number for the policy and relationship of the policy holder (if not the patient).
Q. Will you still see me if I don't have any insurance?
A. Yes. We accept patients without insurance; however, we maintain a standard payment policy for all patients coming in for an appointment without insurance. A standard $150 pre-deposit fee is required up front, which is applied to your bill at check-out. If your bill is less than $150, you will be refunded the difference. If your bill is more than $150, you will be charged the entire bill amount less the $150 pre-deposit paid. This procedure is standard each and every time a patient is seen without insurance.
Q. Who do I talk to about billing?
A. The Business Office can provide answers to almost all billing questions. Our insurance specialists are very knowledgeable and have a vast knowledge base in insurance claims payment, denials and appeals. Our staff is willing to assist you with both your insurance and self-pay billing questions. We can be contacted at (443) 444-6563.
Q. How can I obtain my medical records?
A. You need to complete a records release form; please call the office at (443) 444-4730 and we will be happy to fax or mail you a copy. If your records are being released to another medical provider, this will be free of charge. If the records are being released to an attorney or other third party, there will be a small processing fee.
Q. What should I do if I am experiencing a medical emergency?
A. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
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