Questions? Answers!
Who, What, When, Why, Where?
Who is the best provider for me to see? What insurance do you take? We are asked questions every day, many times the same question so we have created a questions and the answers from our clinic. Don’t see your question listed here? Feel free to contact us through secure messaging or call us; we will be happy to help you.
-
Why do I have to pre-pay for Surgery?
You may receive a call regarding your insurance benefits prior to surgery from both our office and the facility where your surgery will be performed. We make every effort to make you aware of estimated costs and may request a deposit prior to surgery. We realize large... Read More »
-
Why are you taking my picture?
“Say Cheese” Those words are said over 50 times in our office by our registration department. Now, I am sure most responded with “Say What?” or “You want to take my picture? What in the world for?” Well, here is why… Our electronic medical record... Read More »
-
What’s up with the name change? Signature Medical Group?
Healthcare has been constantly in the news for the past several years. The ever-changing landscape of medicine has been at best a moving target. Some groups have chosen to join forces with hospitals, and some have combined forces with other medical groups. The...Read More »
-
What is a physiatrist?
A Physiatrist, or what we like to call a functionologist, takes care of function. It doesn’t matter how the person has lost their function whether it is because of a sports injury or they had a heart attack, a stroke or a gunshot wound to the spinal cord and now...Read More »
-
What is a PA?
Physician Assistant A physician assistant (PA) is a health care provider who is trained to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. A bachelor’s degree is required for acceptance to a PA school. Any type of bachelor’s degree is acceptable for admittance... Read More »
-
What do I need to bring to my first office visit?
When arriving for your first appointment you need to have completed an information sheet and medical history. You may do this on this website using our patient portal (link to portal), or upon arrival at the office. If you plan to do this when you arrive, you will...Read More »
-
What are the different specialties at Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic?
Different specialties require different training, examinations, and board certifications. Kansas City Bone & Joint is fortunate to have many specialty trained physicians. Our orthopaedic team covers hand and upper extremity including endoscopic carpal..Read More »
-
Why do you need my primary care physician information when I am not here by their referral?
As a member of your medical care team, we strive to keep your other physicians updated on your medical treatment. We ask for this information for our records in an effort to maintain continuity of care for your overall health needs.Read More »
-
What credit cards can I use for my co-pay or balance?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit cards at this time.Read More »
-
Are all of the doctors accepting new patients?
Yes, all our physicians and mid-level providers are accepting new patients, however we strive to make your appointment with the provider best suited for your condition, and therefore certain appointments can only be scheduled with specific...Read More »
-
Why are some physicians MD and others DO, and is there a difference?
There are two ways to achieve the title of doctor and practice medicine: A medical doctor (MD), or a doctor of osteopathy (DO). In more ways than not, these two types of training complement any specialty practice. Both trainings allow a physician to practice medicine...Read More »
-
Why do you need to know my social security number?
If you have an insurance policy and want us to file your claim, we will need your Social Security Number, Date of Birth, and the ID & Group numbers from your insurance card. In essence, we are granting you credit by rendering services to you before you, or your...Read More »
-
Do you accept Medicaid?
No. We do not participate with any Medicaid plans, and therefore are unable to see Medicaid patients.Read More »
-
If I am a self-pay patient, what arrangements can I make?
We require a minimum of $500 (five hundred dollars) be paid on the first visit. We will establish scheduled payments for all future visits. If you require surgery, our office requires a payment in full of the surgeon’s fee up front. You will need to make separate...Read More »
-
Do you accept Medicare?
Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic and all of the providers participate in Medicare part B. Be sure to bring your card with you to set up the proper filing for your services. We will also need to you sign an acknowledgement form allowing us to file your claims....Read More »
-
What does “third party” mean?
Third party is a term used in liability claims. It very often is associated with billing another guarantor following a fall on private property, a motor vehicle accident, disputed workers’ compensation issues, or where another party is at fault. We do not participate...Read More »
-
What is an EOB?
An EOB is the acronym for “Explanation of Benefits.” These are provided by your insurance company to explain what benefits were considered for payment. They will provide a copy of the EOB to the patient (or guarantor) and to our office once the claim has been...Read More »
-
What does the term co-insurance mean?
Co-insurance is the portion of the allowable charge your insurance company determines to be your responsibility on any charge assessed by medical providers. You will need to refer to your insurance policy and contact your customer service representative to get...Read More »
-
What is a deductible?
Your deductible is an amount determined by your insurance policy and benefit package. They can be determined by individual, family, or “life-time” depending upon your company or individual benefit package. Contact the customer service number or website listed on your...Read More »
-
What is my co-pay, and who determines the amount?
Your co-pay is an amount determined by your insurance policy and benefit package. Co-pays vary between insurance companies, types of insurance plans and often whether you are seeing your primary care provider or a specialist provider. Contact the customer service...Read More »
-
Create an Account on our Patient Portal
Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic wants to connect with our patients. We have been using a patient portal since 2008 to allow electronic communications. Now the government is requiring physicians to communicate electronically with their patients. Little did we know...Read More »
-
Are all of your physicians board certified?
All Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic physicians are board certified in their specialty. The Board organizations require the physician to be in practice for a preset period of time and document case information. When that requirement is fulfilled, they complete the...Read More »
-
Antibiotic protocol – my dentist says I don’t need it
For your health safety we recommend antibiotic therapy for the life of your total joint implant. However we know some dentists and other providers don’t always agree which is why our physicians continue to research the necessity of antibiotics with certain procedures....Read More »
-
How to maneuver our phone system
Most offices today have an automated attendant. Our attendant is a recording by one of our own, and will guide you to the correct option. There are times however, we understand you just need to get right to the point. For your convenience we are giving you the quick...Read More »
-
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
What Exactly is a Nurse Practitioner? The Nurse Practitioner (NP) profession is an exciting and growing area of healthcare. NPs have been providing primary, acute and specialty healthcare to patients of all ages and walks of life for nearly half a century. NPs assess... Read More »
-
Does your office take walk-in patients or work after hours?
Yes, we take walk-in patients in our urgent care clinic, OrthopedicsNow! Which operates from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. For non-urgent appointments, you may be offered an earlier time with one of our Mid-Level practitioners such as a physician...Read More »