Financial Concerns Regarding Telemedicine
In this uncertain economic time, we understand you may have many questions about the cost and financial burden of doctor visits, balances, and specifically telemedicine. Below is an explanation of those topics.
Telemedicine
As you are probably aware from our communication with you, we moved most visits to virtual telemedicine (Basics of Heritage Telemedicine) as of Monday, May 23.
Well Visits
Insurance companies have had variable policies and willingness to cover preventative visits by telemedicine. They will pay for all vaccines given. During the period of March 23 to May 31, our policy was that if your insurance is in effect but does not cover any portion of a well child telemedicine visit, we will not hold you financially responsible. Even without getting reimbursed we felt like this was the safest and most ethical way to proceed.
Beginning in June, some insurance companies have stopped their telemedicine coverage for well visits. As of June 1 we are doing all well visits in office. Therefore, if would prefer to do your well visit by telemedicine, we will ask you to assume financial responsibility. The waiver can be found here.
As has been the case for the past several years, if during a well visit we discuss and treat a separate medical issue (i.e. an ear infection), we may have to submit that in the bill in addition to the well visit topics. In that case, your insurance may charge you a copay or the visit may go towards your deductible.
Sick Visits and Consults
Sick visits by telemedicine appear to be largely covered by most plans as of Monday, March 23. Cost-sharing varies by plan, so contact your plan if you have questions about copays and deductibles.
Families that are cash pay (including some on healthcare sharing ministries such as Medishare) will be charged the same rate as if a visit in person.
If you do receive a charge that you are unsure about, please call to discuss with our business office.
