Other Resources and Policies

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created in 1996 to protect patients’ rights in regards to their health information. Institute For Women’s Health complies with all HIPAA guidelines. All employees in our practice are educated about HIPAA and their responsibilities to protect your health information.

What are the Patient’s Rights?

Right to inspect/copy their health information.
Right to request an amendment to their health information.
Right to receive an accounting of disclosures.
Right to adequate official Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).
Right to request restriction on certain uses and disclosures of their protected health information (PHI).

What is the Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)?

It is used to inform patients about their individual rights, physician’s legal duties, uses and disclosure of health information, and the restrictions of health information. In addition, the NPP provides information for a contact person and information on contacting the Department of Health and Human Services. Finally, it also provides policy for non-retaliation and termination.

What is a Consent/Acknowledgment Form?

Each patient will receive a Consent/Acknowledgment Form as part of the check-in procedure. This form acknowledges that you understand the uses and disclosures of Protected Health Information (PHI) on the practice related to:

Treatment
Payment
Healthcare operations

What is the Authorization Form?

This form provides our practice with authorization for the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). Patients will also be given this form as part of the check-in procedure.

We are here to help you; if you should have any questions regarding HIPAA, please let one of our staff members know.

The Consent/Acknowledgment Form can be found on our Patient Portal. We encourage each patient to print and read the form prior to their visit.

A Special Request about Children

“As parents and obstetricians, we adore children. As your physicians, we are concerned about common childhood diseases and the health effects they could have on other patients, expectant mothers and their unborn children. Bringing small children into the office can also expose them to biohazardous materials. We ask that you make childcare arrangements for your children prior to your office visit. We understand the inconvenience that this may cause. However, the health and safety of all our patients must be our primary concern.”

Thank you,
The Physicians of the Institute for Women’s Health

Our Financial Policy

Our goal is to provide the best medical care for you in the most cost-effective manner possible.

All current insurance must be presented prior to services so that benefits can be verified. Payment at time of service will be requested if benefits can not be verified.

Co-payments, co-insurance, and deductible are due at time of service.

We accept cash, check, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express

Arrangements for physician global obstetrical care fees are to be made prior to the seventh month. Special arrangements may be made for unexpected hospitalizations and emergency services.

These fees are only an estimate from information provided to us by your insurance company and not a guarantee of payment.

If your insurance plan requires you have a referral from your primary care physician, please understand that it is your responsibility to secure the referral. It is your responsibility to make sure all outside medical services are scheduled with a facility that participates with your insurance plan.

State law requires insurance companies to pay most claims within 30 days of being submitted. We may ask for you to assist in dealing with your health insurance plan if there is any difficulty with processing the claim. It is very important that you respond promptly to any inquires from your insurance company.