Policies at Walk-In & Family Care

Payment

Payment is expected at the time of visit unless prior arrangements have been made.  Please make payment by cash, credit card or debit card.  We currently only accept checks for insurance co-payments.

After hours

After hour phone calls are for emergencies only.  For patient care, safety, and liability, we cannot treat patients over the phone.  For emergency after-hours assistance there may be fee. Call 969-2030.

Lab and x-ray results

It is important for patients to know their results; therefore, test results will be provided by post card or phone message.  Any abnormal test should be followed up with a visit for optimum patient care.

Medication refills

At Walk-In & Family Care, the provider will give you enough medication refills until you are due for a follow-up visit.  Telephone refills are done only as an exception.  We do not respond to pharmacy refill requests.  If a refill is needed the patient needs to request a refill by phone.

Non-covered services

Please be aware that certain conditions and visits are not covered by health insurance.  These include, but are not limited to:

1. Obesity and weight loss assistance.
2. Drug and Alcohol Drug Treatment
3. Preventive health - physicals, stopping smoking, and some preventive lab tests  (for example-PSA).
4. Laboratory draw fees.
5. Cosmetic procedures.

The patient is responsible for non-covered services even at times when is bundled with a covered office visit.  There is no way for us to know all of the different insurance policies and covered benefits as they vary widely from one plan to another, so the patient should check on plan coverage if it concerns them.

Referrals

Most of your healthcare needs can be taken care of at Schweinshaupt Walk In & Family Care.  Whatever the problem start with your PCP, and if a referral is needed we then have the necessary information to process the referral. 

Well woman care - yearly exams do not require a referral.  If follow-up care is needed such as repeat pap, abnormal pap, or a female problem; this should be done at your PCP office and a referral will only be given if surgical services are necessary.

 Due to the complicated nature of referrals and the increased responsibility on the physician, referrals can rarely be done without an appointment. Please allow 2-3 business days to process a referral.  Some insurances that require a review of the request could even take longer.

Drug Prior Authorization (non formulary drugs)

In order for insurance companies to save money they have become increasingly restrictive in their drug coverage policy. Restrictive formularies have gotten out of control in the last year or so.  It is unfortunate that the insurance companies have imposed these extra paperwork and time requests,  but we are forced for now to adjust to their requests.  Keep in mind:

     1.  As a general rule, we do NOT do prior authorization on  prescription medications.

     2.  We may need to try other medications, even if not preferred by the patient or physician.

     3.  If prior auth is necessary,  there will likely be an extra charge or office visit required for the extra time and paperwork imposed by the insurance company.

Thank You

Most organizations are more efficient with policies and procedures.  At times these policies, may seem inconvenient but thank you for working together with us on your healthcare.