We encourage you to know your own insurance benefits: Not all services are covered by insurance. In the event your insurance plan determines a service to be “non-covered,” you will be responsible for the complete charge. Call your insurance regularly to make sure that your benefit plan is current and what your liability will be. Always bring your driver’s license and insurance cards to your appointments. If your insurance does not make payment within 45 days or requires you to contact them to update your plan, we look to you to collect payment for services rendered. It pays to be active and knowledgeable when it comes to your insurance plan!

Lab work and testing insurance coverage: Some insurance plan deductibles are subject to diagnostic (lab) services. Please call your insurance to inquire what your deductible is and what it is subject to. After your permission to do testing (blood tests, urine cultures, etc.), if your insurance plan considers any test “non-covered, you are responsible for payment on services rendered.

HMO Insurance Plans: If your insurance card has “HMO” on the front, you are required to call your insurance (the number is on the back of the card) prior to your first appointment to declare Dr. Poonawala as your Primary Care Physician.

Secondary and Third Insurances: We are not required to bill second and third insurances if you have more than one insurance plan, however, in good faith and service, we bill your second and third insurance for you. If your insurance does not make payment or denies our claim, you become obligated to pursue the status of your balance with your insurance company. You must determine with your insurances which insurance is primary and which insurance is secondary or else your insurance will deny our claims and you will be responsible for the balance owed. Please contact your insurance companies to verify which one is primary and which insurance is secondary before your scheduled appointment.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: For any medical appointment related to an auto accident, our policy is to have you bill your own insurance. You are required to make payment at the time of service. We provide you with an invoice and receipts to send to your insurance and they may reimburse you directly.

Mental Health, Alcohol and Tobacco issues: Insurances either consider appointments related to mental health, alcohol and/or tobacco use as “non- covered” services or require that you get a referral. You are responsible for obtaining any referrals required by your insurance before your appointment. Charges not covered by your insurance in regards to mental health, alcohol and/or tobacco use are your responsibility.

Minors: The adult accompanying a minor and the parents (or guardians) are responsible for full payment. For unaccompanied minors, non-emergency treatment will be denied unless an adult is present to accompany the minor and charges have been pre-authorized to Visa / Master card, or payment by cash or check at time of service has been verified and the minor has an insurance.

Referrals: It is your responsibility to know whether your insurance requires a referral to see a Specialist. Our office needs 3 to 7 business days to process any referral requests. We will not back date referrals.