Health insurance can be complex and difficult to understand. We realize there may be some confusion, and our billing staff will make every effort to answer your questions and verify your insurance coverage. Payment is expected at the time of service. We are happy to bill ALL insurance plans for your convenience – this is a service (not a requirement) we provide. Understanding your own insurance plans is the responsibility of the patient, and we try to coach, assist and help in any way we can.
However, if we are NOT providers for your plan, payment in full will be expected at the time of service (we refund promptly should insurance pay us). For plans for which we are providers, we ask that you pay your deductible amount and any required co-payments at the time of your visit.
We accept cash or check and for your convenience, we accept Visa and MasterCard. We will be very upfront with you about any costs and make every effort to be sure you have the opportunity to decline a test and/or procedure before it takes place
Center for Sight is a provider for Medicare and MediCal as well as Blue Cross/Blue Shield and other insurance plans. Our billing and front desk staff can be specific for you regarding the billing plans we honor. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept UC Davis Medical Group or Employees Health System (EHS) patients at this time (unless you are Private Pay Patients at our practice). Each insurance company has its own rules that apply for reimbursement. Although we try to keep abreast of the latest changes, it is very helpful to us if our patients also understand and comply with these requirements.
Please, ALWAYS bring your Insurance Card and ID with you to each and every visit so we can keep our records current and up-to-date and so we can verify your insurance each visit.
- Patients are responsible for all co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles as well as services not covered by your insurance plan. Most insurance plans do not pay for refraction fees; we will collect the fee at the time of service.
- We accept most insurance plans including Medicare, Medi-Cal, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, HMOs and PPOs. Please contact our billing department to verify acceptance of your particular insurance plan.
- Cash pay patients are also welcome. We accept cash, check, Visa or MasterCard
Frequent Questions
This section may be helpful for you as we review some of the most common questions we receive here at the Center for Sight.
- Do I have to pay my co-payment at the time of registration? You are required to pay your co-pay at the time of service. You will be billed for co-insurance and any non-covered services after we receive notification from your insurance company.
- How do I know if my insurance company will cover my visits? It is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to know the parameters of their insurance coverage. We do not always know if a particular service will be covered. Contact your employer or call your insurance company with questions.
- When will I receive a bill? If you furnished your insurance information when you registered, you will not receive a bill until (1.) Your insurance company has denied the claim; (2.) Your insurance company has paid the claim, leaving a co-insurance, deductible or non-covered service; (3.) Your insurance company has not responded to the claim.
- When do I become responsible for my bill? All patient account balances are due and payable upon receipt of your first monthly statement. However, we reserve the right to require payment at the time of service from any patient who has an overdue account. Payment of your bill is ultimately your responsibility.
- Who can I talk to with questions about my bill? If you should have specific questions about your account or your financial situation, please call one of our billing coordinators at 916-446-2020.
- Why do I need to show my insurance card(s) each time I come to visit? Insurance coverage and the portability of insurance makes it necessary for us to always document and verify insurance. Insurance plans and the coverage they extend is constantly changing. In our desire to provide you with the courtesy of working with insurance companies for payment on your behalf, we need to be apprised of any changes to your coverage or carrier.
