Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How long do I have to wait after I call to get an appointment?
If you are a new patient we can have one of our physicians see you within 2-3 working days. If you are in any emergency, we can usually have a physician see you the same day you call.
If you are an established patient and you do not have an emergency, you can usually see your doctor within a week.
Do I see a different physician each time I come?
It is much better for the continuity of your care to see the same physician
on each visit. However, if you have an emergency and your physician is
not in the office, you may see any one in the group that is available.
What hospitals are you affiliated with?
Our physicians are affiliated with two hospitals: Lenox Hill Hospital
at 77 Street and Park Avenue and New York Presbyterian Hospital at 68 Street
and York Ave.
Why do I have to sign so many forms before I see my doctor?
Some of the forms required are mandated by the federal government and/or
your insurance company. For our office to file a claim we need to have
your written permission on file for your insurance company. The permission
needs to be updated yearly. The federal government passed the Health
Insurance Privacy and Portability Act (HIPAA) which requires us to
disclose to you our privacy practices. The notice of privacy practices
is available on this web site or in either of our offices for you to read.
You only have to sign the acknowledgement once.
Who do I talk to if I have a non-medical problem?
We have a very able staff who can usually answer your questions. If they
cannot they will refer you on to our Practice
Manager, Janet Bernstein. Ms. Bernstein has a Bachelors Degree from
the University of Missouri and an MBA in Health Care Administration from
Baruch College/Mt.Sinai School of Medicine.
Are my medical files and information confidential?
Yes, we take confidentiality very seriously. Prior to enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, we adhered to strict privacy rules. As of April 14, 2003 we were required to post our privacy practices and make them available to patients. You can read our privacy practices on this Web site and if you have any questions, can contact our Privacy Officer, Janet Bernstein.
Medical Questions
Are your physicians specialists?
All of our physicians are general urologists. In addition, Dr.
Armenakas specializes in urological trauma and urethral reconstruction, Dr.
Kavaler specializes in female urology, Dr.
Lizza specializes in infertility and erectile dysfunction and Dr.
Sosa specializes in minimally invasive urological therapies including
laparoscopy and endourology.
Dr.
Kavaler is an urologist with special training in urogynecology. Dr.
Kavaler was awarded a fellowship in Urogynecology and Urodynamics at
UCLA prior to joining the group. The types of problems she specializes
in are prolapses of the female organs, stress incontinence, and interstitial
cystitis.
Who tells me the results of my test (or tests)?
Your physician will either send you a written report or will ask that
you call a week after the tests have been performed for a verbal report.
A PSA is a blood test that is one of many indicators that aids the physician
in determining if a prostate biopsy is necessary. The physician will also
need to know your medical history and will want to perform a physical exam
to aide in his/her determination.
Why do I leave a urine specimen every time I visit my doctor?
A routine urinalysis either by microscope or a test strip is done which
can give the composition of the urine that is not seen by the naked eye.
I want a report sent to my doctor. Will my physician do that for me?
Yes, if you supply the name and address of the physician you would like
the report sent to, our physicians will keep your doctor up-to-date on
your condition.
Can I have my records sent to another doctor?
Yes, you can mail or fax a written request to us and it will be sent to
the physician. We can usually honor such requests within 48 hours, but
sometimes it may take longer.
If my doctor orders a special test and it requires prior approval what do I do?
You need to call the office and ask for one of our staff members to call your insurance company for any pre-certification required for any tests our physicians order for you. Some insurance companies take 48-72 hours to respond to our request for authorization, so be sure and give us plenty of notice. Your doctor is not aware that you need the prior approval, so it is up to you to notify the office staff.
Financial Questions
What if you do not participate in my insurance plan?
Payment would be required at the time of service. We accept MasterCard,
Visa and American Express besides checks. As a courtesy, we will submit
your claim to your insurance company if you supply us with the necessary
information.
I have Medicare as my primary insurance. Do you accept the Medicare?
All our physicians participate in Medicare and accept assignment. Accepting
assignment means that we accept the approved Medicare charge and will only
bill the patient for the yearly deductible and the 20% Medicare does not
pay. Many patients have secondary insurance coverage for the 20%. If you
supply us with the secondary payer information, our office will send the
secondary a claim. However, the patient is ultimately responsible for the
20% and/or the deductible. Some secondary insurance coverage through managed
care companies requires a referral at the time of the visit for payment
of the 20%. Be sure and check with your secondary payer as to their rules
prior to your visit to our office.
Why do I have to give the office my insurance card every time I visit the doctor?
In the past the enrollment period for insurance coverage was January
1 of each year. Now many employers and patients change insurance coverage
at various times throughout the year. Many patients forget they have new
coverage. Therefore to ensure that your insurance will pay for your visit
so that you will not have to, we have instituted
a policy that all patients must show us their insurance card prior
to their visit. Thus we have avoided many problems for our patients, and
for us.
Why do I have to pay my co-payment at the time of service?
Co-payments are payable at the time of service. They range from $5 -
$50 and it is your responsibility to abide by the contract you have with
your insurance company. We have many methods of payments available to you
besides cash or check; we accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
It would be very expensive and time-consuming for us to send invoices for
co-payments.
If I have a question regarding my bill who do I call?
Our billing office is at our Park Avenue Office and is staffed by 2-full
time and one part-time employee. Please feel free to call them regarding
any billing issues that you may have.
Does my insurance pay for in-office procedures?
Many insurance plans pay for in-office procedures. Managed care plans can be more restrictive and each patient is responsible for contacting their insurance company if they have a question about a specific procedure. Our office staff can help you with this, if necessary.