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Greetings!
As requested, this is the current list of insurance plans we accept:
Medicare United
Health Care EPO (Other United Health Care pending) Evolutions Employees Health Insurance BC/BS has approved us verbally
and almost final (if that means anything) for HMO, EPO, PPO, and Traditional greater than 16 years old. Traditional and
PPO for under 16 and I am not sure yet about HMO and EPO for under 16.
(addendum 7/18/04--It is so hard for me to sum up with finality about being on these plans. I am finding
that people with good coverage ask me to do procedures and follow protocols that I know are not covered services under any
plan. I am willing to do these types of things after an evaluation, but they will be out-of-network. I do my very best to
let you know if a service is covered upfront.)
What takes so long to get on a plan?
First, each application
is different. I had to find out what plans there are, what their phone numbers are, and go through automated telephone
systems to request an application. In some cases I did not have all the information yet that they requested of me (ei...
incorporation number or address of business) and had to call back when I had the info. I got frustrated after all the circles I
was caught in and hired an office manager to continue.
Second, it takes a long time on their side to review it once
we mail it in. We also made photocopies of everything and many applications require notary signatures.
Third,
then they send contracts for what we will be reimbursed, what we agree to do, and who can cover for us. All this takes
a long time for us sort through. I want to be sure that I don't have to compromise quality care to agree to "all this."
If I remain out-of-network by my choice, this is probably the reason.
Then, we still have to mail it in for the FINAL
approval and signatures. This is where we are with several of our applications.
We started the application process
late January. We are filling out applications for each of us AND the corporation. So that's three for each plan.
Awhile
back CIGNA and Aetna told us that they had too many physician providers, which means our applications are put on hold until
their panels up again.
Others that are pending are EMI, First Health, Great West, Southcare, and Medicaid. If I
haven't listed yours, please call and ask. We want to know what the need is in our community and what may be worth our
efforts pursuing... Many have asked for TRICARE, so we are looking into it.
Health-care consumers can also
call their insurance companies and request a physician. Sometimes it helps the company to know that there is a strong demand in
the community and speed things up or re-open panels to new physicians.
**********
On the lighter side, some
fun activities and news
John is doing a local radio interview around the 26th of this month. I'll remind you
a few days before.
I have had several stories and articles approved for publication in various newsletters and
journals and they should be available soon. (All this was happening while I was moving and unpacking and filling out those
insurance applications) My article about "Dads and Bonding" it is in "Lactation Currents" published by Florida Lactation
Consultant Association this month (June issue):
http://flca.info/id39.htmI will let you know as the others come out.
Of course, the July "Mother to Mother" is available
in our office; my favorite place to have my stories and photos published!
http://mothertomother.tripod.comDon't forget the Bestfed Breastfed Baby Photo Contest. You can still enter through July 26th
for a chance to win cash prizes and photos will be on display at the Treasure Coast Mall August 7th.
http://tcbftaskforce.tripod.com/What_s_New/Contest/contest.htmlAnd a question for you-- I'd like to get the boys involved in soccer and/or Tae Kwon Do and
basketball later on.. If you got any suggestions, I would love to here them.
Again, thanks for the referrals
and telling your friends about our Family Medicine Practice.
Denise (and the boys) Coquelet & Punger
Family Medicine, P.A. 4640 South 25th St. Fort Pierce, Florida, 34981 772-466-8884
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