As a service to our patients, we will bill primary insurance when possible. At the time of your appointment, we need to get a photo copy of your insurance card.

If you agree with our payment terms and conditions, we will collect your co pay and any outstanding deductibles at the time of service and bill insurance. Otherwise, you will be responsible for paying in full at the time of service and we will bill insurance as a courtesy. If you have any questions regarding our terms and conditions please contact our office and we will be happy to explain them to you.

Some important things to know about Avante Medical Center and Insurance Billing

• We only bill primary insurance.
• Bethany Buchanan, ANP; Stephanie Friess, ANP and Christine Sagan, ANP, have opted out of Medicare.
• Medicare does not contract with naturopathic doctors; therefore you would want to confirm that your secondary would cover this provider type.
• If we have not received payment from the insurance company within 60 days of the date of service, the patient will be responsible for the balance regardless of the insurance status.
• It is important to know your coverage before coming in for an appointment. It is strongly suggested that you call your insurance company prior to your visit to verify your coverage and benefits and check your deductible.

Below is a list of questions you should be ready to answer:
(All of this information should be attainable from your insurance provider.)

• What is your deductible? Has your deductible been met for the year? What month does your deductible start over?
• What is your coverage? Does your insurance provider pick up 50%? 80%? 100%?
• Does your insurance provider cover naturopathic doctors? (only applicable if seeing Drs. Babij, Laing, Nalbandian, Smith, or Ferguson)

What if I am a Medicare patient?

It has been the decision of our practitioners here at Avante to opt out of Medicare due to the large amount of rules and regulations. The practitioners did not feel that they could give the care that was needed with that many restrictions.

If you have a secondary insurance and are a Medicare patient, we will bill to your secondary insurance. However, it is very important to call your secondary insurance to verify coverage and make sure to mention that our practitioners have "opted out" of Medicare.

It has been our experience that many secondary insurance carriers do not cover claims from providers who have opted out.

We are not responsible for changes in insurance coverage or their denial of services. It is the patient's responsibility to confirm coverage and pay for what insurance does not cover.