Whenever a child is brought in to Alpine Pediatrics, P.C., treatment is being authorized for that visit regardless of who brings the child in. If a parent and/or legal guardian does not attend the appointment, written authorization for treatment must accompany the child. Alpine Pediatrics, P.C. may refuse treatment of a child if authorization is not provided.

An appointment must be scheduled for each child that needs to be seen or who there are questions about.

Patients arriving more than 20 minutes late may be asked to reschedule.

Any time a physician is asked to see a child, (even if it is just to "peek" in the child's ears) this information must be documented in the patient's chart and a claim for services must be filed

INSURANCE POLICIES
Many patients have insurance available to them. Our office will try in every way we can to make the processing of insurance claims as simple as possible, but please remember, it is your insurance. You are the one who has made the arrangement with the insurance company, not our office. Our services are rendered to you, not your insurance company. It is very important that you know and understand your insurance benefits.

Even though an insurance claim is filed, you will receive a statement each month if your account has a balance due. We cannot accept responsibility for collecting your insurance claim. It is your responsibility to see that your insurance company pays that part of your bill which is covered by your policy within a reasonable length of time. You are ultimately responsible for the payment of your account.

Federal laws require Alpine Pediatrics, P.C., to submit every claim to an insurance company accurately, reporting the exact services performed and the exact reason for performing them. Insurance companies do not pay for all medical services, even those that might be helpful to the patient. Alpine Pediatrics, P.C., cannot change a diagnosis code or a procedure code (unless it was initially submitted incorrectly) so the claim or some of the services can be paid by the insurance company.

Sometimes during a preventive health visit the physician will diagnose and treat another problem. Services for the other problem will be billed as an additional charge. Some insurance companies will not cover two office services on the same date so payment for one of the services may be denied by the insurance company or an additional co-payment may be required.

Co-payments are due at the time of service.

IMMUNIZATION POLICY
Children must be immunized according to the current immunization guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). If at any time it is brought to your attention that your child is behind on immunizations, you must make the necessary arrangements to get him caught up on his immunizations as quickly as possible.

WELL CHILD / SICK CHILD
Well child appointments are scheduled differently than sick child appointments. We cannot do a well child check up during a scheduled sick visit appointment. If your child is seriously ill on the day of a scheduled well child visit, please reschedule the well child visit. A well child visit allows the physician to assess your child's development. It is difficult to do this when your child is seriously ill.

MISCELLANEOUS FEES
If a co-payment is not paid at the time of service, a $20.00 late fee will be charged in addition to the co-payment.

A service charge of $25.00 may be charged if a confirmed, scheduled appointment is not kept, including appointments made the same day it is called in. 

A $20.00 return check fee may be charged on all returned checks.