What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit we will ask you to fill out paperwork explaining your condition and your health history. We will complete a thorough history and physical examination and discuss if any additional tests or imaging is needed. Lastly, we will review your diagnosis and review treatment options together.
Do you require imaging such as X-rays or MRI to be done prior to the first visit?
No, but if you have had relevant X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs we ask that you provide these to make the most of your visit. You can bring the imaging reports and CD with you to your visit. You may also drop it off ahead of time or mail it to us. If your imaging was done at a local hospital system (Providence/Legacy), they can sometimes complete a digital transfer. Please call ahead and check with our staff to see if this can be arranged if you do not have the CD. To make the most of your first visit it is important to pre-arrange one of the options above. If you have questions, please contact the staff for help at (971) 383-1960.
What should I expect on the day of a procedure?
If you are scheduled for a procedure, you will be provided a procedure information sheet with specific instructions and information. These sheets are also available on this website under patient resources. If you are on blood thinners or are diabetic, please make sure you are following instructions very carefully. Failure to do so may lead to the procedure being re-scheduled. Most procedures do require a driver (any adult) for safety even if you are not receiving sedation. Each patient has their own comfortable private pre/post procedure waiting room or exam room. This is where your possessions will stay in a locked cabinet and your driver is free to stay in your private room waiting for you.
Which insurances do you take?
We do not take commercial medical insurance, Medicare, or State Sponsored programs. Please see the section on the website labeled “Direct Pay Clinic” for more information. We do accept Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from car insurance companies for injured motorists. If you plan to use your car insurance, please make sure you let us know during the scheduling process. If you are an injured motorist and have questions about the process with Personal Injury Protection (PIP), please call our office at (971)-383-1960.
What is your policy on pain medications/opioids?
We do not prescribe long term opioid pain medications. If you have a significant flare of pain or have a procedure, we will provide a short course of opioid medication when appropriate. We will also discuss other non-opioid medication and treatment options.
Is there a guarantee that I will improve with treatment?
We cannot provide guarantees and it is common for patients to have an individual response. We strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient. However, the human body is complex, and each patient and situation are different. We will do our best to set realistic expectations for pain improvement, improvement time frame, and risks and benefits prior to a procedure or treatment.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours’ notice for any cancellation. If you are sick or have any cold or flu-like symptoms we would ask that you cancel the appointment regardless of lead time to help keep other patients and our staff safe.
What is a direct pay clinic?
A direct pay clinic is based on the model of up-front payment for all services outside of the traditional medical insurance system. This can be done with cash, credit cards etc. The modern health insurance industry is a complex system full of barriers that impact the physician-patient relationship and restrict care. In the spine and joint world, insurance companies often have burdensome requirements (prior authorization process) for many treatments that can lead to delayed care and ultimately often a denial of specific imaging tests or treatments. Medical pricing has also been traditionally very confusing, but we have a transparent pricing model. Removing insurance from the equation allows us to keep prices lower and spend more time with each patient. For commercial insurance (Regence, Aetna, United Healthcare, Providence Health Plan) you may be able to turn in your medical receipts for reimbursement (for office visits and covered injections only). We are happy to provide you with the appropriate paperwork if you choose to file a claim yourself. Unfortunately, reimbursement is not possible for patients who have Medicare, Managed Medicare, or Medicaid. To date, no traditional insurance companies or government payors cover regenerative medicine (orthobiologics) and the procedure would be out-of-pocket no matter which physician you choose to see.
Forms of Payment accepted include:
- Cash (in the form of credit card, cash, money order)
- PIP (personal injury protection) after car accidents
- Medical Liens (if provided by a lawyer)
Cost
New Patient Consults to discuss Regenerative Medicine (Orthobiologics) or other injections are $200, due at the appointment to the appointment. During the consult we will discuss the patient’s diagnosis, treatment goals, and treatment options. At that time the patient would receive an estimate for their specific recommended treatment.
For patients involved in car accidents we will bill your car insurance or the medical lien for you.