Frequently Asked Questions

How does the process work at Express Medical Care?

Registration: Once you decide to visit Express Medical Care, you'll need to register with our Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
Appointment Booking: Appointments can be booked via self registration (see registration page) or via texting the office. All appointments are scheduled for 10 minutes each.
Completing Paperwork: It's essential to complete your visit paperwork before your appointment. Failure to do so may result in losing your appointment slot. During your first visit, you'll need to provide information on your past medical, surgical, family, social history, and medications. Subsequently, this information will be saved for future visits.
Payment: After registering with the EMR and completing the necessary paperwork, you'll select your appointment time and pay via credit or debit card.
Location Confirmation: Upon completion, you'll receive the exact address of Express Medical Care in Williamsport, MD.
Arrival: Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment time. Ensure not to park behind another vehicle and block another patient.
Check-in: Enter through the green front door and have a seat in the waiting area.
Lab and Imaging Services: If any point-of-care labs are required during your visit, they will be billed separately. Ambulatory labs or imaging, if ordered, will be conducted at a designated lab or diagnostic imaging facility.
Results Communication: Once your results are available, you'll receive a secure message in your EMR. This message will include a review of your results and any necessary changes to medications.

What are the common services you offer?

Please see the services available page. The Cleveland Clinic provides a good article here.

Why can't you accept Medicare patients?

Medicare imposes strict guidelines for provider enrollment. Currently, I am enrolled at another facility, and due to the direct-pay model, I am not permitted to accept payments from Medicare patients. However, I am still able to provide services for DOT physicals and Weight loss membership to Medicare patients, as these are not considered Medicare-covered services.

What is the direct-pay model?

The direct-pay model of healthcare is a relatively new approach designed to eliminate barriers associated with health insurance while fostering better connectivity between patients and their clinicians. Unlike traditional models that involve navigating in-network versus out-of-network care, in the direct-pay model, patients pay the clinic directly for services rendered, often at a reduced price due to decreased insurance interference.

After payment, patients are provided with a superbill, which serves as an itemized healthcare receipt. This superbill can be submitted to health insurance providers for potential reimbursement, offering an option for those interested in utilizing their insurance benefits.

Additionally, the direct-pay model caters to individuals who do not have health insurance or find themselves in-between coverage periods, ensuring access to healthcare services without the constraints of insurance networks.

I have health insurance, why can't you bill my insurance?

The direct-pay model of healthcare eliminates the reliance on health insurance for accessing services. By choosing Express Medical Care, you have the freedom to select your provider without being restricted by "in-network" guidelines.

If you prefer to utilize your insurance coverage, you can request an insurance superbill at the end of your visit. This superbill serves as a detailed receipt of all services provided during your visit. You can then submit the superbill to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

For instance, if you receive an acute visit for which you pay $75 along with a $5 urinalysis, your total charge to Express Medical Care is $80. This typically corresponds to billing codes 99203 or 99213, which CMS recommends reimbursements of $109.69 or $89.39, respectively, along with additional charges for facility fees and on-site testing costs. Commercial insurance plans may have different reimbursement agreements, usually higher than CMS guidelines.

This process ensures that you have the flexibility to choose your healthcare provider while still having the option to utilize your insurance benefits if desired.

Do you accept walk-in visits?

Walk-in visits are considered on a case-by-case basis at Express Medical Care. Patients with scheduled appointments will be given priority; however, I have built same day appointments into the schedule.

If you arrive without an appointment, I will assess the current schedule to see if it's feasible to fit you in. You may be asked to return to your vehicle to complete registration before coming in for your visit.

I have health insurance, why should I come to your practice?

Your healthcare decisions should be driven by your preferences rather than restricted by in-network or out-of-network limitations. At our practice, we operate on a direct-pay model, offering fixed pricing for services.

With this model, you have the flexibility to submit a superbill to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. Due to the typically lower direct-pay fees compared to insurance rates, you may even receive a credit from your insurance company, effectively putting money back into your pocket.

This approach ensures transparency in pricing and empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare, ultimately prioritizing your needs and preferences.

I would like to submit to my insurance company, how do I do that?

Submitting to your insurance company varies depending on the provider. Generally, you'll need to log into your account on your insurance company's website (e.g., Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna) and initiate an out-of-network provider claim.

You'll typically be asked to provide the office visit note and superbill, which contains Express Medical Care's information. Please note that while Express Medical Care cannot guarantee reimbursement from your insurance provider, we will provide the necessary documentation for your claim.

It's important to understand that the responsibility for providing the required information to your insurance company lies solely with you as the patient. Express Medical Care will not engage in further communication with your insurance company regarding your claim.