FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- When can I expect test results for tests that were ordered by my doctor? How long will it take for the office to call me back when I have a question or need test results?
- I really want to speak to my own doctor when I call the office. Why do I have to speak to the medical assistant when I ask to speak to the doctor?
- How do I reach a doctor after hours?
- Are my medical files and information confidential?
- Do you treat sports injuries?
- What is arthroscopy?
- Do your physicians perform joint replacements?
- Do you test for osteoporosis?
- Will you send claims to my secondary insurance?
- If I pay in full at the visit, will you still submit to insurance for me?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
- I need to speak to someone about my bill.Can I speak with someone in your office about it?
- Does my insurance pay for in office procedures?
- What if I do not pay for my co-payment at the time of service?
- I have a non-medical problem and I am not sure who to speak to.
- I belong to the local chamber of commerce and we are interested in having someone come in and talk to us about sports medicine. Can a doctor in your group do that?
- I am interested in applying for a job at Waterbury Orthopaedic Assocites, P.C. How do I go about giving you my resume?
Medical Questions:
When can I expect test results for tests that were ordered by my doctor?
If you were sent by our physicians to a facility outside our own, the results of any radiograph or imaging study that you have had done may take a few days. This is because although you may be told by that facility that we will have your results from them that day, there are many steps involved before our physicians see those results. For example, a radiologist must look at your films or studies. Then he dictates a report, which will in turn be typed up by someone in his office and then sent to our physicians. When we receive the report in our office, your physician will review the report, look over your chart and may in some instances, travel to the facility where your test was done to look at the films himself. As you can see this is a thorough process which may take a few days to complete.
If you have scheduled a follow-up appointment with your physician or the physician assistant, the results of your tests or lab work will be discussed with you then. If you do not have an appointment scheduled, our office will phone you as soon as your results have been received and reviewed by your physician.
While it is rare, if you do not hear from us, please call our office at 203-755-0163 for the results.How long will it take for the office to call me back when I have a question or need test results?
Our staff is highly trained but they do need to do several things before you can be called back with an answer to your problem.
After the medical assistant receives the message that you called, she must first have your chart pulled from the file room. Once she has your chart, she will review the notes and then discuss your question or problem with your physician. If the physician is on the operating room at the hospital or in office hours with other patients, it may take a while for the medical assistant to get the answer or physician input, which she needs in order to call you back.
Rest assured that in emergency situations, your call would be answered immediately.I really want to speak to my own doctor when I call the office. Why do I have to speak to the medical assistant when I ask to speak to the doctor?
Because our doctors see patients in our office, do surgeries at Waterbury and St. Mary's Hopitals, volunteer time, participate in continuing orthopeadic education, run clinical medical trials and take an occasional day off, your physician may not be immediately available for you to speak with. Rather than make you wait for an answer, we ask the medical assistants to respond to your questions or concerns so that you can get information quickly.
You shouldn't be surprised however, to occasionally receive a call from your physician when you least expect a doctor to be working, such as on weekends or in the evenings.How do I reach a doctor after hours?
During non-office hours, our phones are forwarded to an answering service. Our answering service will have the physician on call return your call. Please remember to keep your phone line free once you contact the answering service so that the physician can get back to you.
Are my medical files and information confidential?
Absolutely! We highly value the confidentiality of all of our patients and their medical and personal information. We never release information to anyone without your written consent.
The physicians and clinical staff are trained experts in the field of sports medicine. In our care of high school, collegiate and recreational athletes, we are involved in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of all sports injuries. Our diagnostic evaluations, surgical capabilities and rehabilitational facilities employ the most modern and sophisticated techniques available. Our knowledge and resources are directly focused on returning athletes to full sports participation as quickly as possible.
arthroscopy is a procedure which consists of looking in to the major joints (knees, shoulder, ankles, elbows) with a small microscope and performing procedures to correct abnormalities that may be present. This procedure is available through all of our physicians.
Do your physicians perform joint replacements?
As part of our complete arthritis care program, the physicians of Waterbury Orthopeadic Associates, P.C. have performed hundreds of total joint replacements. Over the past thirty years, as improvements have come in the design, fit and longevity of artificial joints, we have remained on the forefront of technology and surgical techniques.
Yes. We can refer you for a test for osteoporosis. This test is painless and takes about five minutes.
Billing Questions:
Will you send claims to my secondary insurance?
Yes!
If I pay in full at the visit, will you still submit to insurance for me?
Absolutely!
What methods of payment do you accept?
Cash, Check, MC, Visa, Discover, Amex, and Debit cards.
I need to speak to someone about my bill. Can I speak with someone in your office about it?
Yes! Unlike many medical offices who hire outside billing agencies, our billing staff works in our office and is generally available from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. to answer any billing questions you may have. Just call 203-755-0163 and ask for billing. One of highly trained financial people will be happy to assist you.
Does my insurance pay for in office procedures?
While most in office procedures are covered by insurance, It is your responsibility to check with your plan for specific reimbursements, as each insurance contract is different.
What if I do not pay for my co-payment at the time of service?
Co-payments are required at the time of service. If co-payment is not made, your account is subject to a billing fee.
General (Non-Medical) Questions:
I have a non-medical problem and I am not sure who to speak to.
Our office employs an Operations Manager who oversees the daily operations of the practice. Our Operations Manager is Robyn Lerz who is the one responsible for making sure that the office runs efficiently and smoothly.
Robyn reports to our Practice Administrator, Amy Taylor. Should you have any questions, problems or concerns of a non-medical nature and you need to speak to our Administrator, you should feel free to contact her at 203-755-0163 or via email.I belong to the local chamber of commerce and we are interested in having someone come in and talk to us about sports medicine. Can a doctor in your group do that?
Yes! Our physicians are always happy to provide information about a variety of topics relating to orthopeadics to the public. For information or to arrange a lecture, please contact our Administrator. We also do periodic lectures; the current lecture schedule can be found on our website.
I am interested in applying for a job at Waterbury Orthopaedic Associates, P.C. How do I go about giving you my resume?
We are always interested in speaking with qualified, quality individuals regarding employment with our practice. We hire from time to time in clinical areas such as medical assistants and x-ray technicians. We also occasionally have a need for people in the financial services, administrative and reception areas of the practice. You can see our current openings here on our web site.
We offer excellent benefits such as profit sharing, 401K, paid time off for vacations, sick days and personal time, health, dental and prescription insurance, company social functions such as a holiday party, disability insurance and uniform reimbursement, just to name a few.To apply for employment with us, simply send us a copy of your resume along with a cover letter. You can also email us. We accept applications in the office from 10 am until 2 pm Monday through Friday.