Patient Resources
We know you have questions. We are here to help. Information about our program and support groups are available to help guide you in your journey.
Appointment Information
What to bring with you to your appointment
- Photo ID
- Insurance cards or workers compensation information
- A disc with any recent diagnostic testing (X-ray or MRI) done at a facility other than UHC
- List of your medications
Team Members you may see on your visit
| Team Member | What They Do |
| Registrar | Greets you and checks you in for your visit- will ask for your photo id, insurance information, will verify demographic information, and let you know what to expect for your visit. |
| Xray tech | If an xray has been ordered for you, you will proceed to the xray area to have that done prior to seeing a provider. |
| Medical Assistant | This is the medical person who will take your history and get information regarding your visit. |
| Provider | UHC Orthopaedics has Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners. You may see any of these providers during your visit. |
| Physician Assistants (PA’s) and Nurse Practitioners (NP’s) | Help to triage and expedite the Orthopaedic visit. PA’s and NP’s can order testing, review xray’s, and MRI’s and will consult with the physicians regarding any questions or to get you scheduled for surgery or additional consultations. |
Insurance
UHC Orthopaedics accepts most insurances including workers compensation. A referral from your primary care physician is not required unless your insurance requires it.
Billing
United Hospital Center’s Specialty Clinic billing department will file your medical insurance claim. If you are not covered by insurance, arrangements for the payment of the bill should be made with the Billing Department. Each patient is ultimately responsible for payment of all services rendered. If you would like an itemized statement, please contact the Billing Department and one will be mailed to you.
You will receive a separate bill each time you visit the office. If you have surgery with us, there is a 90 post-operative period included in the charge for your surgery. You will not be charged a copay for these visits.
Copayments for services are collected at each visit. We accept Cash, Check, or credit cards.
Certain fees, such as those charged by the physician who interpreted your x-ray; administered anesthesia during surgery; or conducted EMGs or stress tests, are not included in your UHC Orthopaedics bill. This also includes services provided by emergency medicine physicians and hospitalists. You will receive separate statements from the physician for these services, as well as separate statements from your personal physicians and/or consulting physician.
If you have any questions concerning your bill, please call 681-342- 2455. You should contact the organizations listed below if you have questions concerning fees from your anesthesiologist, emergency department physician, and radiologist.
- University Health Associates Department of Emergency Medicine 1-800-541-4009
- UHC Anesthesia Services 1-888-505-2455
- United Hospitalist Physicians 681-342-1852
What does “provider-based clinic” or “outpatient clinic” billing mean?
“Provider-based” or “outpatient clinic” billing refers to the billing process used for services provided in a clinic such as this one. The doctors are employed by United Hospital Center which owns the space and provides support staff for the doctors.
How does this affect my billing?
If you have Medicare, you will receive two separate bills from the clinic; one from the doctor for his/her services, and one from the hospital for use of the facility. This will happen even if you have not been treated inside the hospital. These are not duplicate bills.
Why will I get two separate bills for a single visit?
Because the hospital owns the clinic, provides support staff for the doctors and meets certain Medicare regulatory requirements, Medicare allows the hospital to bill separate from the doctors’ fees. This is a common practice and is not unique to the clinic.
How does this affect a patient who has insurance?
Depending on your insurance plan, you may have copayments for each of the two bills. Additional out-of-pocket expenses may also be incurred, depending on the services provided. What if a patient has secondary insurance coverage? Co-insurance and deductibles may be covered by a secondary insurance policy. Check with your benefits or insurance company for details regarding secondary coverage. For example, you may ask whether the secondary insurance covers “facility charges” or “provider-based billing.” If it does, ask what percentage is covered. Verify your hospital outpatient insurance benefits, as they are usually applied toward your deductible and coinsurance.
| Term | Definition |
| Outpatient Clinic or Provider Based | The terms Medicare uses for clinics such as UHC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine |
| Physician Charge or Outpatient Charge | The fee from the doctor who treated you at UHC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine |
| Facility Charge or Hospital Charge | The fee from the hospital (United Hospital Center) which owns and operates the UHC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine practice and includes a charge for the other staff, supplies, and overhead costs that are a part of your visit. |
Prescriptions
United Pharmacy is a full-service pharmacy that is available for patients and the community. The pharmacy is located on the first floor of United Hospital Center just to your left as you enter the main lobby entrance.
If you are a patient in UHC, your doctor or nurse can phone or fax your prescriptions to us.
United Pharmacy offers prescription refills 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling and entering your prescription number. You can pick up orders during regular business hours.
MyWVUChart | Online Patient Portal
View your health information and communicate with your UHC healthcare team online at MyWVUChart.com.
