Medicare:

Up until this point, our office has not accepted Medicare assignment. That meant that we would collect our fees from you in the office at the time of your visit. Medicare allows us to charge up to 15% above the standard Medicare fee, depending upon the service.

However, for 2011, we have been accepting assignment. This means that we bill Medicare and collect from Medicare.

In the past, Medicare has not paid for preventative physical exams. This year they are paying for routine physicals without a co-pay to you, the patients.

We urge you to take advantage of this service, which is meant to help assure the longest and healthiest possible life for Medicare beneficiaries.

As with all insurances, please present your Medicare card at every visit. If you have a secondary insurance, you must present that card as well.

At every visit, you must sign and date a form acknowledging that you have been informed that services may not be covered by Medicare and how much they cost.

MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: Beginning in January, 2006, all Medicare patients can get help with their prescription drug costs.  For information on this new program visit www.medicare.gov  to get personalized information through the Medicare Rx Plan Finder.  Before you start have

• your Medicare information
• list of medicines
• and the address of your local pharmacy at hand

Alternatively, you can call 1-800-677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov to find local counselors or call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak directly with a counselor.