Thank you for choosing The Pain Institute to help serve your health care needs. We are committed to providing you with the best possible care; and we also want to assure that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as our patient.

Please take a few minutes to read the following important information. If you have additional questions about our fees or your financial obligations, please talk to us; we are always happy to help.

About your statement

Regardless of your insurance situation, you will receive a monthly statement of your account, summarizing the insurance billing process. Please review the instructions that will be with your statement of account for further explanation.

Please note that, like hospitals and other outpatient health care centers, the Louisville location of The Pain Institute charges for use of our facilities separately from any charges for provider's services. That means you will receive one statement showing The Pain Institute charges, and another reflecting fees for provider's services.

Insured patients

If you are seen at The Pain Institute's outpatient facility, we will file claims with your insurance company as a courtesy to you. However, if the insurance company does not pay the account within three months, you will be responsible for payment, or for assisting us in resolving your account with the insurance company. We provide services to you, our patient; and you are ultimately responsible for payment to us. An insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company.We are not a party to the contract; and we cannot control coverage decisions. Denial of payment by your insurance company does not relieve you of responsibility for your health care costs.

Uninsured or non-covered

If you do not have insurance, or if your insurance plan does not cover treatment at The Pain Institute, you will be responsible for payment at the time of that determination. For your convenience, we accept MasterCard and Visa. Under some circumstances, a monthly payment plan can be arranged; refer to the "Convenient Monthly Payments" section below for more information.

Insurance Requirements

Remember to bring your insurance identification card on your first visit. If the policy is in the name of your spouse or another family member, please tell us that.

The physicians of The Pain Institute are specialists, providing specialized services. We accept Medicare and most private insurance plans, and we participate in many plans' provider networks. Other plans sometimes grant us in-network benefits because of our specialized services. However, each insurance plan has its own restrictions and requirements.

We strongly recommend that you review your insurance policy or call your company ahead of time, to be sure that your treatment will be covered, and to find out whether your plan has any special requirements. You may also call our office and ask for the pre-certification department, or e-mail us at pre-cert@thepaininstitute.com, and we will be happy to help.

Fee-for-Service (Standard) Insurance

These plans may pay all or part of your costs, depending upon your contract. You will be responsible for any co-insurance amount (usually a percentage of the cost), as well as any deductible (the amount which must be paid before benefits begin).

If The Pain Institute's services are not covered by your plan, you will be responsible for all costs.

HMO/PPO Plans

If you are a member of an HMO (health maintenance organization) or PPO (preferred provider organization), your plan probably requires you to receive care from physicians in the plan network. If you visit a non-network physician, you may be responsible for a higher copayment or larger portion of the cost. Ask your plan, or call our office to find out if The Pain Institute participates in your plan's network or qualifies for in-network benefits due to our specialty situation.

As an HMO or PPO member, you may also be required to obtain an authorization or a referral from your primary care doctor. Be sure to bring this form with you. You may also be responsible for a copayment at the time of service.

Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plans

If you are covered by Medicare, you are responsible for the annual Part B deductible and 20% of the costs. A Medicare supplement insurance plan may cover these costs. If you have a Medicare supplement, we will file the claim with your insurance company; but as with any insurance, you will be responsible for non-covered costs. In addition, some supplements, such as Medicare Select plans, may require you to use network doctors. Be sure to find out about your plan's requirements ahead of time.

Convenient Monthly Payments

Under some circumstances, we can help you set up a convenient and affordable payment plan. With the reputable TeleCheck Recurring Payment system, payments are made automatically from your checking account each month. With no need to write checks, buy postage stamps, and mail payments, your life is simpler and easier. The service is completely safe and confidential and there is no extra charge.

Just ask our office for an explanatory brochure and enrollment form.

We are happy to have you as a patient, and look forward to providing services that can help make your life more comfortable. If at any time you have questions or concerns, about your care or your financial obligations, please talk to us. We're here to help.

Be sure to check out the "Insurance We Accept" page.