The staff at The Medical Procedures Center is concerned about the high cost of medical care, just as you are. Our costs continue to rise at an alarming rate. We feel that we significantly reduce the overall costs of your health care since our procedures are performed in the office. This often means a 50-75% savings compared to a procedure performed in the hospital.
The following guidelines have been developed to help you understand our billing policies. We would be happy to discuss our fees with you before any procedure. It is your responsibility to discuss insurance issues with your insurance company.
The Medical Procedures Center and The Michigan Vasectomy Center (through The Medical Procedures Center and Dr. Lorenzo D. Berlanga) formally participate with the following insurers (except for sclerotherapy and other cosmetic treatments):
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- Aetna
- Connect Care
- Dow and Dow Corning
- Health Plus PPO (referral required)
- ASR Health Benefits
- Medicare
We will usually accept the fee that the insurance company allows for most other insurances, if reasonable.
It is important for patients to understand that ALL PATIENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COPAY, DEDUCTIBLES, AND NON-COVERED SERVICES for all insurances, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Payment of these fees is expected on the service date, as are all cosmetic service charges.
Should any insurance company deem a service non-allowable under the patient’s current insurance contract, that patient will be responsible for payment of the entire charge. This is often the case for cosmetic surgeries, such as sclerotherapy for small veins in the legs. Some policies do not cover elective sterilizations. You can call your insurance if you have questions about your coverage.
For self-pay patients:
- Monthly installments will be permitted under special circumstances and are to be arranged on the date of service.
Because of contractual agreements with the insurances noted above, discounts have already been incorporated into the fees they allow. All these insurances will be billed directly, and there will be no additional discount on payments made on the date of service.
Sclerotherapy patients:
In general, ALL INJECTION FEES MUST BE PAID ON THE DATE OF SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. No discounts or participation agreements will be honored since this procedure is generally not covered. You will need to submit the bill on your own for reimbursement by your insurance company. Please refer to our sclerotherapy handouts for more details.
We accept Mastercard, Visa, and Discover, personal checks, and cash. We will request your credit card if you want us to charge your insurance directly. If you or your insurance company have not paid your account 90 days after service, your credit card will be charged.
If any tissue, blood samples, or urine samples are sent to the hospital or other laboratories for analysis and evaluation, those laboratories will bill separately for their services. If you belong to an HMO, we will use the lab you designate.
Notice
Please be advised that a $50 late fee will be added to your balance if not paid within 60 days.
*If you have a current payment arrangement or need to set one up at your initial visit, please speak with the Office Manager. This fee does not apply if you have a current payment arrangement. *
If you have any questions about your billing statements, please call the Office Manager at 989-631-4545.
