Frequently Asked Questions
Billing FAQs
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Why do I have two bills?
You will be billed for the physician visit, from Tri-Cities Gastroenterology, and for a facility charge for the procedure from Tri-Cities Endoscopy.
Why do both of my bills have the same codes on them but show two different charges?
The codes on your bills give specific information to the insurance company. The different charges are for the services provided by the doctor and for the use of the facility during your procedure.
Do I have to pay the balance on each bill?
We file insurance with both the physician and the facility, and if there is a balance left on either or both statements, you will be responsible for payment.
How do you know what the insurance company pays and what I pay?
We will file your insurance and, if we have a contract with them, we only bill you for the amount the insurance company tells us is your responsibility as the patient.
Do you notify my insurance that I am going to have a procedure?
Yes; we call and check benefits for you. We let you known at that time if there is a problem with your insurance. We also make sure a pre-certification is done if you need one prior to your procedure.
Will Medicare cover my colonoscopy?
If you have never had a colonoscopy before and are not having a problem, Medicare will cover a screening colonoscopy. If you are having a problem, Medicare will cover that also.
Will the doctor take what Medicare pays?
We will accept Medicare payments, and file any secondary insurance, if you have that. If you have a balance left due to a deductible or the insurance company tells us that you owe a balance, you will be billed that balance.
Do I have to pay what is left from my insurance company in full or can I make payments?
You do not have to pay the full amount all at once, as long as you make regular monthly payments.
Do I have to make a set payment amount each month?
You can pay more or less each month as needed, as long as the payments are made monthly.
What happens if I am not able to make a payment?
If you are not able to make a payment, please call our office so we can work out a payment plan with you.
Will the doctor still see me if I don’t have insurance?
Yes, but you need to talk to the billing office so that payment arrangements can be made.
Does my insurance require a referral?
Some insurance companies require a referral. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance carrier to see if a referral is required to see a specialist.
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Customer Service FAQs
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Do I have to have an office visit before I have a procedure?
In most cases, an office visit is important before your procedure. It gives the provider a chance to get an adequate history on you and discuss the procedure in detail with you.
Do your doctors do a gastric bypass?
No, gastric bypass is a surgical procedure performed by surgeons.
What type of sedation do you use?
For the most part, our facility uses propofol anesthesia. Click here for more information.
Do I have to have a driver with me at my procedure?
Yes, you need to have someone drive you home after you have had the procedure.
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Emergency FAQs
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What should I do if I do if I have an emergency?
During business hours, our staff will be attentive to your medical symptoms, assessing for possible emergencies. At any time, if you believe your symptoms require urgent care, we advocate that you call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Our doctors share coverage at night and on weekends, making someone available 24 hours a day.
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Nursing FAQs
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How long will my procedure take?
The procedure itself only takes about 15-20 minutes, however, we ask that you allow 2-4 hours due to check in and recovery time. The nurse providing your prep instructions will give you an idea of what you may expect in terms of time.
If I don’t have a driver to bring me for my procedure, how long will I have to wait?
Occasionally, we have patients who are unable to come with a driver. We require them to wait at least 6 hours before driving, in compliance with the law. We highly encourage patients to have a driver available. If necessary, your driver may leave you and come back when contacted that it is time to return to you.
Should I take my medicine prior my procedure?
We recommend you take hypertensive medications and heart medication with a minimal amount of water.
Can I eat before my procedure?
No, we allow clear liquids from 2-3 hours prior your arrival time for your procedure.
Will I be able to work the day after my procedure?
Yes
Will you call my prescription into the pharmacy?
We will gladly refill your maintenance medications managed by our physicians if you have been seen in the office within the last year. We also have the capability to fax or e-mail your prescription to your pharmacy.
Does Dr. Fenyves or Dr. Fry do gallbladder surgery?
No, Dr. Fenyves and Dr. Fry are gastroenterologists and do not perform surgery.
Is this a sterile procedure?
Patient safety and cleanliness are of paramount concern to our doctors, nurses, and technicians. All instruments and equipment are cleaned according to strict national guidelines, and are processed to the highest standards of cleanliness. In addition, we try to avoid latex exposure for people who are sensitive to it. The Center for Digestive Wellness was awarded and maintains accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.
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Contact FAQs
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Telephone Calls
We use technology in patient care, and also to streamline our activities on your behalf. Our telephone system will ask you to dial a number for urgent calls, and for a prescription, appointment, and call-back requests. When calling outside of business hours, you will receive instructions from an answering service. Please understand that we use this technology not to deprive you of personal care, but to enable us to give you that care more efficiently.
The Center for Digestive Wellness and Tri-Cities Gastroenterology does not currently post email addresses on the internet. Physicians may receive email access by contacting our administrator at the Center for Digestive Wellness.
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