Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a physician referral to see a doctor at Neurosurgical Associates PC?
A: We prefer that you have been evaluated by a primary care physician prior to scheduling a surgical consult with one of our surgeons. Often this cannot occur, and we will work with you so you can see one of our physician extenders or doctors.
Q: Do you accept my insurance?
A: We will file all health insurance plans as well as use your pre-registration to make every effort to ensure we are participating providers with your insurance plan. If there are still questions regarding your plan’s coverage, we encourage that you call your customer support and ask them specifically about the physician you are scheduled to see in our clinic.
Q: Why do I have to provide registration information over the phone before my office visit?
A: In an effort to streamline your registration process we try to collect as much information during the time that we schedule your appointment. We also send a secure portal invitation so you can provide information prior to your visit. If you would like to register with our portal please make sure you provide an e-mail address during the scheduling of your appointment.
Q: What is your policy regarding co-pays?
A: The majority of health plans today have co-pays. You’ll be asked to pay this at the time of your visit, prior to being seen. We are required to comply with contractual rules of your health plan including the collection of your co-pay. Failure to pay your co-pay at the time of your visit will result in an additional $15.00 charge due to the high cost of invoicing after the visit.
Q: Do you accept Workman’s Compensation?
A: Yes. Worker’s Compensation treatment requires written verification and billing information from your employer or adjuster.Typically we will receive all the required information for your visit prior to your arrival. Without this, you will be responsible for payment at the time of the visit.
Q: Do I need to bring X-rays to my appointment?
A: YES please make sure to bring your X-ray films, MRI films, and CT films or a CD with the images. In addition, bring any other test results with you.
Q: Why does the doctor take telephone calls that during my visit and / or cause him to be late?
A: Most calls to our physicians during clinic are generally from other doctors or hospitals with concerns regarding urgent patient needs. We provide this availability 24 hours a day to make sure that our patients receive timely care.
Q: Why was my appointment canceled?
A: Surgical emergencies can cause the cancellation or delay of office visits and outpatient procedures. We will always try to reschedule you to the earliest alternate appointment.
Q: Do I need an appointment to receive a prescription refill?
A: Depending on the date of your last visit or your next visit, you may not need an office appointment for a refill. Our prescription refill policy can be found on our forms page of the website. There will be no refills called to your pharmacy after regular business hours, on weekends, or on Holidays. Because of Alabama law, many narcotic prescriptions require a written prescription. It is the patient’s responsibility to pick up the prescription at our office during regular business hours. Lost narcotic prescriptions will not be replaced until the expected renewal date.
Q: On what Holidays are you closed?
A: Neurosurgical Associates PC is closed on the following Holidays:
New Year’s Eve (PM)
New Year’s Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve (PM)
Christmas Day
Q: Why do I have to fill out a long health questionnaire?
A: In order to delivery appropriate care, it is important for your doctor to know your health history. The forms you fill out will be entered into the computer for his review at the time of your visit. This information will also assist our office staff when we work on your behalf to ensure that your insurance company will authorize your treatment. Often your insurance provider will question the conservative treatments that you may have received prior to your visit with us. Please make sure you provide any treatments prior to your initial visit with us.
Q: Why is Neurosurgical Associates PC privacy policy so lengthy and detailed?
A: HIPAA is complicated. The latest update required by the Federal Government included additional detailed explanations and requirements. Please feel free to ask us for further explanations during your office visit.
Q: Why must I sign a consent form to see the doctor?
A: HIPAA requires all patients to be familiar with their physician’s privacy policy so that they will know their rights
Please contact us prior to your appointment if you have additional questions that you would like answered prior to your office visit.