Frequently Asked Questions:
For specific orthopedic questions, please visit our Care Centers or What Hurts? pages.
Q. Why is the doctor only in on certain days, and where is he when he's not in the office?
A. When the doctor is not at a particular office, he is usually in surgery or at a different office.
Q. What hospitals can your doctors admit patients to?
A. Hospital affiliation varies from physician to physician. The hospitals that are most frequently used are the Cape Fear Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, NHRMC, Wilmington Surgcare and Atlantic Surgicenter. The decision is between you and your surgeon, depending on insurance coverage.
Q. Which offices do the doctors go to?
A. We have four offices: 3787 Shipyard Boulevard in Wilmington, Porters Neck in Wilmington, Brunswick Forest in Leland and 3382 Henderson Drive in Jacksonville. All doctors come to the Shipyard office at least one day per week, and several of our physicians travel to our satellite offices. Each satellite office provides physical therapy services except for the Jacksonville office.
Click Here for a List of Providers by Location.
Q. Is a co-pay required for follow up visits?
A. Under most insurance policies, a co-pay is due at each visit, including follow-up visits. The only exception to this might be after surgery when the insurance company gives you a period of time when no co-pay is due for an office visit. You should check with your individual insurance company.
Q. What is a PA-C?
A. A PA-C is a Physician Assistant-Certified. For more information and a list of PA-Cs at Atlantic Orthopedics, PA, click here.
Q. Why do I have to fill out a form every time I come in?
A. It gives the physicians and personnel involved in your care a tracking system to monitor your current condition and review the progress you have made.
Q. Why do the doctors switch office sides at the Shipyard office?
A. The doctors will move sides depending on what other doctors are in that day. They are put together as group to help optimize the flow of the clinic and to shorten the wait time for you.
Q. How do I get my medical records?
A. The fist step is to fill out a written request that states that we have permission to release your records. After the release is received, the records are processed and forwarded to the designated party.
Q. Why is there a charge for my medical records?
A. There is no charge to you if we are sharing your information with another physician's office. If you would like to get a copy of your records, there is a charge to help cover the cost of preparing the records.
Q. Why can't another doctor see me?
A. If you have been under the care of a particular physician, it is important for that physician to see you as this helps to enssure continuity of care and a better understanding of your needs.
Q. Why do I need to come in? Why can't I get my test results over the phone?
A. Your physician reviews both the report that the radiologist provides and the films. Your physician knows you and your signs and symptoms and prefers to provide you with his assessment and interpretation of your test. This will allow your physician to address your questions and concerns.
Q. Which insurances do you take?
A. Insurance List
Q. What information do you need to bill my insurance?
A. A copy of your insurance card (front and back), name of the policy holder and his or her date of birth, group number for the policy and relationship of the policy holder (if not the patient).
Q. Why do I have to pay a copay?
A. Atlantic Orthopedics, PA does not make determinations about co-pays; this is determined by your specific insurance company. We have signed an agreement with the insurances we participate with to collect a co-pay for any charges incurred during your visit. It is the patient's responsibility to pay his or her co-pay at the time of service.
Q. What is my deductible?
A. The deductible part of your insurance coverage requires that you pay a certain amount yourself (e.g.; $500) before your insurance will begin paying claims. Once you have paid the total amount of your deductible (whether to one or more providers), your insurance will begin paying on claims. Deductibles vary by insurance company so you should consult your policy to determine your deductible amount.
Q. Why am I getting different bills from different companies?
A. Atlantic Orthopedics, PA only bills for the surgeon's part of the surgery; there is a separate charge from the facility (hospital or surgery center) for their service during the surgery. In some cases, there may also be a separate charge for the anesthesiologist's service during the surgery. For MRI Services there will be a charge from the radiologists.
Q. How does the payment plan work?
A. Atlantic Orthopedics, PA makes every attempt to assist patients with their financial needs. Our payment plans vary, but we normally ask for half of the payment on or before the date of service, with monthly payments to be completed within 90 days-180 days of the date of service. If you are a patient without insurance we do offer discounts if you pay the bill in full.
Q. How much will the visit cost?
A. Atlantic Orthopedics, PA will make every attempt to assist you in your financial planning by providing a general quote for any future visits; however, since there are many variables that can vary on a case-by-case basis, these quotes are only an estimate of the costs expected. Simply contact our Business Office at (910) 763-2361 and from the menu select option #5 for information on the cost of your future visit.
Q. Who do I talk to about billing?
A. The Business Office can provide answers to almost all billing questions. Our insurance specialists are very knowledgeable, having an average of 18 years in the medical industry, and have a vast knowledge base in insurance claims payment, denials and appeals. Our staff is willing to assist you with both your insurance and self-pay billing questions. We can be contacted at (910)763-2361 select menu option #5.
Q. Where do I pick up my prescription?
A. Your prescription can be picked up at the front desk at the Shipyard office. At our Porters Neck, Brunswick Forest and Jacksonville offices, it can be picked up at the front desk.
Q. How can I obtain my medical records?
A. You need to complete a records release form; please call the office at (910) 763-2361 and we will be happy to fax or mail you a copy. If your records are being released to another medical provider, this will be free of charge. If the records are being released to an attorney or you, there will be a small processing fee. If you are an established patient and we have a signed medical records release form on file, you may use the new secure online patient portal services that are accessible through the practice website to request your medical records.
Q. Can you send me my X-Ray / MRIs?
A. X-Rays/MRIs can be mailed to you. If your appointment is within one week it would be faster for you to come and pick them up. There is a $10 fee for making copies of the films and processing.
Q. How do I get my Worker's Comp claim number?
A. Your employer will have your claim number; this is usually kept within your HR department.
Q. Why do I need to check in a half-hour early?
A. Arriving early allows time to fill out any forms or paperwork that may be required. You may also choose to fill out this pre-registration paperwork ahead of time online. Please click here to register for your patient portal account and to complete paperwork.
Q. Why do I need to fill out paperwork?
A. These forms are the only way to get the needed information to allow for billing of your insurance and to begin to understand your medical condition. You can fill out this paperwork ahead of time online. Click here to register for your patient portal account and complete the paperwork online.
Q. Why do I have to bring my MRI / X-ray / etc. with me?
A. We like to have all of the information in order to develop an accurate diagnosis for you. If a facility says it will mail the images to us, they may not arrive in time for your appointment. This may necessitate another appointment for you.
Q. Can I talk to the Doctor / physician assistant / medical assistant, if I have more questions?
A. Yes, you may speak with the doctor / physician assistant / medical assistant. Please call or main number (910) 763-2361. If the specific doctor, physician assistant or MA is in clinic assisting with patient care needs, he or she will respond to your question in between their patients. We usually have you speak with the MA or nurse first. If it is necessary for you to speak with your physician he or she will facilitate that encounter.
Q. Is it possible for me to see one doctor for my multiple maladies?
A. One physician can see you initially for all of your maladies; however, due to the extensive training our physicians have received, different maladies may be best treated by different physicians. This will be decided after an evaluation.
Q. Can I be seen for another body part too?
A. If your insurance is an HMO. We would need a referral for the other body part. When making your appointment, please identify body part(s) for which you would like to be seen this also helps our physicians and physician assistants to allow enough time in the schedule to assist you with both problems.
Q. If I have a question and need to speak to a certain department, how do I access the various departments at Atlantic Orthopedics, PA?
A. Each department is listed under our main telephone number 910-763-2361 in the telephone menu as follows:
-
If this is a physician or physician’s office calling about a patient select #1
-
If you would like to make an Appointment with one of our specialists select #2
-
If you would like to speak with one of our triage staff about a medical problem or need a prescription refill select #3
-
If you need to speak with a test scheduler or surgery scheduler select #4
-
If you have a patient account or billing question select #5
-
If you would like to reach the Physical Therapy Department select #6
-
If you need to reach our medical records department select #7
-
If you need directions to our offices please select #8
[Top]
Atlantic Orthopedics includes eleven fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists. Fellowship-training represents the highest level of orthopedic medical training in the United States. Click here to learn more.
Not find what you were searching for?
Have a question, a suggestion or feedback for our Orthopedic and Spine practice? Please send an email to
info@atlantic-ortho.com. Important: This email is for NON-MEDICAL communications only and is not to be used for medical advice or for an inquiry about a medical problem or condition. It is only for general information purposes or suggestions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Quick navigation links:
About Atlantic Orthopedics | Meet the Orthopedic and Spine Specialists | Spine Center | Sports Medicine Center | Joint Replacement Center | Extremity Center | Foot and Ankle Pain | Shoulder Pain | Knee Pain | Arm and Hand Pain | Hip Pain | Back and Neck Pain | Treatment for Orthopedic and Spine Conditions | Injection therapy | Physical Therapy | Spine Surgery | Knee Replacement Surgery | Hip Replacement Surgery | Educational Resources | About Fellowship-Training | Contact Us | North Carolina locations: Wilmington | Porters Neck | Brunswick Forest | Jacksonville
Disclaimer:
The pictures displayed are images of actual patients and employees who have consented to have their picture in this website.
|
