Cardiovascular Specialists participates with many major healthplans, including those listed below.  However, you should always verify your benefits, including any copays, deductibles, and coinsurance, with your insurance carrier and/or your employer's benefits manager prior to an appointment with our office. 

• If your coverage is with an HMO plan with which we DO participate, remember that a referral is required from your primary care physician (PCP) in order for us to see you.  It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary referrals.  If we do not have a current referral on record, it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment, as the PCP cannot "back date" a referral and your HMO plan will not pay for your visit without a current referral.  

• If your coverage is with an HMO plan with which we DO NOT participate, we are not able to see you as a patient of our practice unless you are willing to sign a waiver and see us on a self-pay basis, as your HMO plan will not pay for your visit. 

• If your coverage is with a PPO or indemnity plan that has out-of-network benefits, we can see you even if we do not participate with your plan.  However, you should be aware that you may have a higher out-of-pocket copayment, deductible and/or coinsurance if we do not participate with your plan.  You should also be aware that some PPO plans now require prior authorization for certain diagnostic tests even if they do not otherwise require a referral.  Without such prior authorization, you may be responsible for the cost of such diagnostic testing.

PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD WITH YOU TO EACH VISIT TO OUR OFFICE.

You should expect to pay your copay at the time of your visit.  For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express).  Many insurance plans do not charge a copay for a diagnostic test only, so please check with your plan to see if you will be responsible for a testing copay.

We currently participate with the following insurance plans:

• Aetna (all products)
• AmeriChoice (Medical Assistance HMO)
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (Maryland - all products)
• BlueCross BlueShield (all other states)
• Cigna (all products)
• Maryland Medical Assistance
• Medicare
• Priority Partners (Medical Assistance HMO)
• Railroad Medicare
• Tricare (all products)
• United Healthcare (including MAMSI, MD-IPA, Optimum Choice, Alliance and OneNet)
• Workers Compensation

If your specific insurance carrier is not listed, please contact our office for assistance.  You may also wish to check Billing and Insurance FAQs for more information.  If you do not currently have health insurance, please contact our office and ask to speak with our Business Office Manager concerning payment arrangements.

[August 2009]