Physical Exam & Office Visit
Our goal is to provide you with the best medical care possible. Annual physical exams give us an opportunity to address your overall physical and emotional health. The preventative care we provide during a physical also includes an assessment of dietary and exercise habits, review of vaccinations, discussion of screening tests, lifestyle behaviors, etc. We occasionally also address other chronic stable problems such as high blood pressure, arthritis, and /or other ongoing controlled medical conditions.
Regular office visits differ from the preventative and wellness care provided at a physical exam because they focus on other new, ongoing or poorly controlled medical concerns. These types of problems need to be addressed in an appointment separate from a Preventative or Physical Exam. If, however, we adequately cover required Preventative and Wellness care during the physical, sometimes we will have time to discuss new problems identified by you or the physician.
We would like to correct a misperception that occurs regarding “double charges”. Please note that the insurance companies do allow providers to address additional complaints beyond a wellness visit. If new problems are found or poorly controlled problems are addressed, an additional office evaluation code will be generated in addition to a Preventative Physical Examination code. Essentially, part of the visit is preventative, but part of the visit is not part of a wellness exam.
Therefore, this generates another charge to the insurance company which in turn may require you to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible charge.
Thank you for entrusting us with your medical care. Please also trust that we practice the highest integrity with our billing practices. Our goal is to provide excellent care and take appropriate time doing it.