Initial Visit
For us to best treat your spinal condition or injury, we need to have a comprehensive understanding of your current health status. When you come in for your initial consult, please bring all of the items listed below. If West Augusta Spine Specialists does not have all of your relevant medical records and films at the time of your visit, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Information to Bring:
- Previous x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans: films AND reports must be provided.
- Medical records of previous testing or treatment (EMGs, physical therapy, etc.)
- Any brace or support that you are using.
- Insurance card, pre-authorizations and applicable co-payment. If you are unsure of your insurance company's requirements, give them a call or click here for links to insurance companies that are contracted with West Augusta Spine Specialists.
Please download and complete the following New Patient Forms prior to your visit:
Patient History Sheet
Registration Form
Authorization and Disclosure Form
Your initial visit, completion of paperwork and consultation may take an hour. Your physician will want to thoroughly examine you and discuss treatment options.
Insurance
West Augusta Spine Specialists currently has contracts with the following insurance companies and local employers. To learn about a particular company, visit the website listed. If your plan is not listed, please call our office at 706-922-4450
We also provide care under Workers Compensation for Georgia and South Carolina.
Click here for Directions to Our Office
Payment Policies
Pre-Approval
Many every insurance plans require pre-approval for specialty care. Without specific approval, insurance carriers may not cover charges incurred for the unapproved visit. It is the patient's responsibility to obtain pre-approval from their insurance carrier. Certain insurance carriers may also require a specific referral from the patient's primary care physician.
West Augusta Spine Specialists will assist patients in arranging all required authorizations needed for surgical procedures.
Preferred Providers
West Augusta Spine Specialists is a preferred provider for the following insurance plans: Link to Insurance Companies.
We will submit claims for all types of insurance (including worker's compensation) as a courtesy. Current insurance cards must be presented at each visit.
Worker's Compensation
West Augusta Spine Specialists participates with most state Worker's Compensation programs. We require prior authorization from the workers compensation carrier before your first appointment.
To expedite this procedure, you must have the adjuster's name, phone number and your claim number available at the time of your appointment.
Auto Accidents:
Georgia la allows physicians to file your health insurance on auto accidents. We do not accept letters of guarantee from attorneys. We will file with auto carriers if we have written instructions from your carrier. Call our office so that we can assess your individual situation.
Co-payments
A co-payment is the amount you owe when you com to see the physician. The amount of your co-pay is established by individual insurance plans and is usually specified on the insurance card. It is required that this amount be paid at the time of service.
Personal Balances
Any portion of your bill that is not covered by your insurance carrier becomes your personal responsibility. West Augusta Spine Specialists will bill individuals on a monthly basis and personal balances are due upon receipt of the statement. Payment terms may be arranged through our Business Office.
For your convenience, We accept cash, personal or cashier checks and MasterCard, Visa, and American Express credit cards. There will be a $20 service fee on all returned checks.
Fee for Service
If you need an estimate of charges for services you know you will be receiving, please contact us at 706-922-4450 or wass1226@knology.net.
Release of Information Authorization
A Release of Information Authorization ( PDF) is included in your registration materials. This form authorizes West Augusta Spine Specialists to release information to your insurance provider as well as any health care provider involved with your current treatment. A new Release of Information Authorization should be completed any time your coverage changes and yearly thereafter.
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