WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A PATIENT?

 

Taking the initial step towards establishing care with a new doctor can be daunting, especially when it is out of pocket. Dr. Smithers understands that, when you choose to see her as your physician, you are making an investment, so the first step that she recommends is to schedule a free 15 minute consultation. 

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She happily offers this time as a meet & greet so that you two can review your symptoms and concerns, she can answer any questions that you may have, and she can also review the costs associated with her care. This complimentary consultation is offered as an introduction to Dr. Smithers and provides you both an opportunity to meet, either in person or via telemedicine, before having to pay a consult fee. This consult does not create a doctor-patient relationship and no treatment recommendations will be given under any circumstances. 

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Following the free 15, Dr. Smithers typically orders lab work to be reviewed at the initial consultation. At that time, payment is due at the time of service and a comprehensive treatment plan will be provided. 

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HOW MUCH DO VISITS COST AND WILL INSURANCE COVER THEM?

 

While insurance does not directly cover the cost of office visits with Dr. Smithers, she is happy to provide you with a billing summary, by request, that you may submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Possible reimbursement ultimately depends on your individual insurance plan and benefits and should not be relied on as a guarantee. To find out specifically if your insurance would cover partial or full reimbursement, please call your insurance company directly. 

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Labs can be run through insurance or paid for up-front. Advanced diagnostic lab testing, such as food sensitivity panels, neurotransmitter testing, micronutrient testing, etc. are not covered by insurance and are cash pay. 

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For specific information about the cost of office or telemedicine visits, please schedule a free 15 minute consultation with Dr. Smithers and she would be more than happy to review the fee structure with you as well as typical follow up frequency, cost of treatments, etc. Note: the cost of consultations does not differ between in-office or telemedicine consults. 

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WHAT IS DR. SMITHERS' CANCELLATION POLICY?

 

A valid credit card is required to schedule any appointment and will be automatically collected through the online scheduling software when making any appointment. In order to schedule, you will be required to make an account, which is where you can log in at any time to cancel or reschedule your appointment if needed. 

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After making an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email within several minutes. As the appointment approaches, you will receive a reminder email 4 days prior to your appointment (unless you schedule within a 4 day time-frame) and a reminder text 2 days before, unless you opt out in your online account. When you schedule an appointment, that spot in reserved for you. Dr. Smithers often has a waitlist, so it's important that we have enough time to schedule someone else if you are unable to make it. We understand that changes may need to be made, but we ask that any cancellations or reschedules are done at least 48 hours prior to the appointment. 

 

Cancellation Policy Effective May 1, 2020: Appointments can be rescheduled or canceled up to 48 hours prior to the appointment time by logging into your patient account. Anything after that time will require you to contact the office directly at 602.576.6640 and is subject to a fee of up to 50% of the total cost of the service scheduled. If you no show an appointment, you will be subject to a fee of up to 100% of the total cost of the service. A no-show free 15 minute consult, which includes telemedicine appointments, has a fee of up to $50. 

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