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Convenient Pay Now Offered

Family Practice Specialists is always interested in making our services more convenient. We are happy to announce a new service Convenient Pay using credit card to be held on file effective [mm/dd/yy]. Similar to hotels and car rental agencies, you will be asked for a credit card at the time you check-in for your appointment. The information will be held securely until your insurances have paid their portion and notified us of the remaining patient balance (if any). At this time, any remaining balance owed by you will be charged to your credit card, and a copy of the charge will be emailed to you.

Benefits of Credit Card Contracts:
  • Make check-out easier, faster, and more efficient
  • Pay future balances and copays conveniently
  • Make payments automatically using your credit card/debit card of choice
  • Avoid writing checks to pay monthly bills by mail
  • Avoid missing payments
  • Specify a total maximum amount to be charged

Receive email notifications of upcoming charges and receipt.

Frequently asked questions:

I’ve never had to do this before at any other doctor’s office.

More and more doctor’s offices are starting to use credit card contracts. It is not uncommon in many medical practices, imaging centers, outpatient surgical centers to require a credit card on file.

Am I being singled out? I always pay all my bills.

No –all patients are required to keep a credit or debit card on file unless you have ACTIVE Medicaid. We apply this policy equally to all of our patients.

I don’t have a credit card.

You are welcome to leave a HSA (Health Savings Account) or Flex Plan card on file. If you do not have either one, you can pay with cash or check for the visit in full. We understand there are legitimate reasons why you might not have a card (declared bankruptcy, maxed out, or declared unworthy of credit). If this is the case, we will work out a payment plan with you.

What will my card be used for?

  • Copays: When you are in the office, you will need to present your credit card for payment, even if the card is on file.

  • Deductibles: We require at the time of service for you to pay 100% of the amount owed for each visit. Your credit card on file will be utilized to settle up any additional balances that were not credited to your account at the time of service.

  • Coinsurance: We require at the time of service for you to pay the entire percentage not covered by your insurance company. For example, the full 10% if your insurance carrier covers 90% and 20% if your insurance carrier covers 80%.

  • Other Balances: If your insurance carrier assigns any additional patient responsibility amounts, we will run the credit card on file for this amount (not to exceed the credit card contract limit agreement).


What is a Deductible, and how does it affect me?

An annual deductible is the dollar amount you must pay out of pocket during the year for medical expenses before your insurance coverage begins to pay. For example, if the policy has a $500 deductible, you must pay the first $500 of medical expenses before the insurance company begins to pay for any services.

When does a deductible begin?

Most plan years begin January 1st, but please check with your insurance plan.

How will I know when my deductible has been met?

Call your insurance company at any time to check on how much of your deductible has been met; some insurance companies have this information available online. Every time you receive medical services, you will receive notification from your insurance company with how much they paid or did not pay.

Will my credit card be charged after every visit?

No, but it depends on your insurance coverage. Your card will ONLY be charged if your insurance plan indicates a patient responsibility owed for the visit.

What if I disagree with the charge?

You are responsible for any portion of services that your insurance does not cover, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with your insurance benefits. Your insurance plan is a contract between you and your insurance company, even if your employer provides it. Members typically receive their explanation of benefits prior to the provider, so if you disagree with the patient responsibility amount owed, it is your responsibility to contact your insurance carrier immediately. As we cannot know every detail to your specific plan, you are ultimately responsible for knowing what services are covered, how often, and how much of the cost is your responsibility.

What are you doing to ensure I am being charged correctly?

We do our best to verify your benefits prior to the appointment, so we make sure your visit will be covered by your insurance plan and to collect the appropriate amount owed. As such, we do our best to notify and educate the patient of any learned information from insurance that may affect the visit. However, it remains the policy holder’s responsibility to know their insurance policies.

What about identity theft and privacy?

Under HIPAA, we are under strict rules and guidelines in terms of protecting patient privacy and the credit card is considered protected health information. Because of HIPAA rules, our medical office is far more secure than most retail establishments as it relates to identity theft.

I’m concerned that staff will have access to my card number.

Once the contract is established, office personnel will not have access to your card. Only the last 4 digits of your card will be viewable in our system.

Can I dispute a charge?

Establishing a credit card contract will in no way will compromise your ability to dispute a charge or question your insurance company’s determination of payment.

What if I have more questions?

Our staff is happy to speak with you about your account at any time.

Celebrating its 50th year in practice