Practice Policies

The following is a list of policies implemented at this practice in order to provide quality healthcare to all of our patients.

BWPC PRACTICE POLICIES (as of 4/2023)

1. 1. When scheduled for a routine physical or “well” appointment, urgent problems or issues might not be addressed by the provider at the same visit.  And, per insurance guidelines, if a new or urgent problem is addressed, the patient may be billed for that concern in addition to the preventive physical billing codes.  Your provider may recommend rescheduling your routine physical if you have pressing or complex problems that need more priority that day.   
   2. Canceling or changing an appointment requires 24 hours notice. In the case of urgent, same-day appointments, a minimum of three (3) hours notice is required. A fee of $25.00 – $50.00 will be charged to the patient for all non-canceled appointments, depending on the type of appointment. Three “no shows” will result in termination of your care at our practice. A new patient who fails to arrive will be charged a $50.00 fee.  
   3. Form Fees Apply: There is a $25 charge for the completion of each occurrence of forms and letters (see Annual Administrative Fee Program below). Payment is due at the time the form is dropped off to the office. There may be additional fees based on the complexity of the form or letter requested. All patient information (demographic and questions to be answered by the patient) must be filled out before the form is given to the provider to be completed. Please allow up to 1 week for forms. There is a charge to the patient when medical records are requested. 
   4. Annual Administrative Fee Program – patients are given an option once a year to make a $25 payment to the Annual Administrative Fee Program which covers the cost of all form fees for a 12 month cycle.  This is not covered by insurance and is only offered once a year.  If declined, it will not be offered again until the next year and patients are required to pay form fees with each occurrence. Annual Admin Fee. FINAL. April 2023
   5. All copays, self-pay fees, and past due balances are due at the time of service. We reserve the right to make a patient reschedule if co-pay is not paid at the time of service. Patient accounts with a past due balance for any reason over 90 days will be sent to a collection agency. Additional charges for collection fees will be incurred at that point. Interest charges will apply.
   6. Proof of insurance and personal identification are required at each time of service.
   7. Please arrive on time for your appointment.  Patients that arrive for their appointment 10 minutes or later may be asked to reschedule.
   8. After Hours Calls: Should connection with a clinician be required, there may be a remote/telehealth visit charge to your insurance, based on level of service needed.  Calls may be returned by the clinician within 2 hours. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call 911.  
   9. With the exception of emergencies, patients who are requesting a referral must call (410) 552-5050 ext 183. Please allow at least 3 business days to complete your referral request.
   10. Prescriptions may be requested by calling (410) 552-5050 ext 181 to leave a message. Prescription refills will be filled within 2 business days of the request. Patients should ask for their refills for maintenance medications at their follow-up visits if possible. Some patients may be asked to schedule an appointment for their refills.  
   11. Our practice does not routinely order opiate pain medication, therefore you may be required to obtain these medications through Pain Management. If prescribed by our office, then a Controlled Substance Contract will need to be signed in accordance with State Law. Controlled medications will not be  filled outside of normal business hours. Any breach of  contract or abuse of medication will result in immediate disengagement from the practice. 
   12. New Patient Visits:  Please be advised that Physicals are not routinely conducted with a new patient visit and may need to be scheduled separate from the New Patient Visit.
   13. Portal Messages: Please be aware that charges to your insurance company may apply if your provider is addressing a new (not in the last 7 days) medical concern via portal correspondence.