Making an Appointment

We see patients by appointment Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 412.681.2000 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We try our very best to stay on schedule, although emergencies sometime arise. We ask your patient if you have to wait; we know your time is valuable. Please assist us by being on time for your appointment.

Preparing for an Appointment

On your first visit, we will begin a permanent record. Please have the following information with you when you come to our office:

• History of present illness or accident, including date of onset and date of disability
• Medical or surgical treatment you have had for this condition
• Copies of relevant medical records and X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans
• Past medical history (any history of heart of lung problems, diabetes, etc.)
• List and dosages of medications you are presently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins
• Allergies or negative reactions you have had to any medications, anesthesia, or dye used for testing purposes
• Your referring physician's name, address and telephone number
• Pharmacy name and telephone number
• Insurance information: name of company, address, policy and/or claim number, subscriber's name, precertification policy
• Insurance form if you don't have Medicare or Blue Shield.
• Related documentation or information if related to a Social Security disability examination, workman's compensation examination, or litigation issue

If this is your first visit to our office, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early in order to complete a registration form.

Canceling an Appointment

If you are unable to keep your appointment or are going to be late, please call our office as soon as possible. This courtesy allows us to be of service to other patients.

Emergencies

If you have an urgent problem, call our office for instructions at:

In a true emergency, it is best to go to the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital where the physicians on duty will begin treatment and call us.

Questions relating to hospital admissions, test results, prescription refills, billing, etc., may be phoned in to the office between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on Monday through Friday.

Telephone Calls

We ask that you call our office Monday through Friday at 412.681.2000 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Please call our office if you have any questions regarding your condition, medication, or treatment. If you have had a test and have not been informed of the results by our office within ten days, please call us.

Our professional staff will refer all medically-related calls to the physicians for review. Some calls may be returned by a medical assistant. If you need to speak with the physician, he will return your call when conditions permit.

The staff is also available to answer any questions you might have concerning appointments, billing or forms.

Our office telephone is answered by an answering service when the office is closed. They understand which calls must be relayed immediately to the physician which calls to hold for his regular check-ins.

Fees and Billing

Insurance

We participate in all Pennsylvania Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medical Assistance programs and accept assignment from Medicare.

Most insurance policies other than Medicare do not cover office visits, but will cover diagnostic testing and hospital visits. You are responsible for any amount not covered by your insurance. If you are in doubt, we suggest you contact your insurance company for clarification.

We also participate in most managed care plans.

Forms

As a service to our patients, those forms relating to your bill will be completed by our billing office at no charge. A fee may be charged for additional forms that do not directly pertain to your treatment (i.e. disability benefits).

Confidentiality of Medical Records

Your medical record is strictly private. We will not give out information regarding your condition to anyone without your written authorization.

Reports will be sent to attorneys only upon written request accompanied by your written authorization.

Hospital Affiliations

We can admit patients and see consultations at:

• UPMC Shadyside
• Forbes Regional Hospital
• UPMC St. Margaret

We see consultations at:

• HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Greater Pittsburgh
• UPMC Rehabilitation Hospital
• HealthSouth Harmarville
• West Penn Hospital
• UPMC Presbyterian
• UPMC Montefiore
• UPMC Braddock