Buffalo Medical Group patients are ultimately responsible for the payment of their medical bills. Our Central Business Office staff will be glad to work with you regarding your medical bill.
Some insurance companies pay the total amount of the bill, while others pay less. Some insurance companies also require deductibles or pay percentages. You are responsible for the deductible, payment of the bill, or the balance of the bill after the insurance company has made payment.
If your insurance requires a co-payment, the co-payment is due at the time of your visit. If your insurance requires pre-authorization for certain procedures or hospital admissions, you should inform your physician’s office. This will enable you to secure the necessary pre-authorization and avoid possible delays in receiving the care you require.
A health maintenance organization is a corporation that combines health care financing and
health care delivery in a single organization for enrollees or subscribers within a geographical
area, and uses a specific group of providers. In Western New York, the main HMOs are
Independent Health, Community Blue, and Univera Healthcare. BMG will submit claims
to HMOs on your behalf.
Some insurance companies require referrals when patients seek care from a doctor other
than their primary care physician. All patients are responsible for obtaining referrals. If a
referral is not available at the time of service, the patient will be required to sign a waiver
before services are rendered. However, we encourage you to contact your primary care
physician’s office before the appointment to obtain a referral so that you will not be
responsible for paying the entire bill. Please call for referrals during regular business hours.
When you call, it will be important to have the date of the visit, the correct spelling of the
specialist’s first and last names, and the reason you are seeing the doctor. This will help to
ensure accuracy when your primary care physician’s office creates your referral. It is
important for you to know that it is the policy of the Primary Care Division not to back date referrals.
Buffalo Medical Group requires payment at the time of service. If BMG participates in your health plan,
applicable co-payments will be collected at the time of registration.
Our Central Business Office will submit insurance claims to the national
carriers above for you.
You are responsible for paying for any services not covered under your contract
in addition to any owed coinsurances and deductibles.
In most cases if you have commercial insurance, which BMG does not
participate with, BMG Central Business
Office will submit the initial claim to your insurance
company. Ultimately, the insurance company may send its payment directly to you. If this
occurs, the payment should be forwarded to the Buffalo Medical Group. The amount of the
payment you receive is based on the terms of the contract you have with the insurance carrier. Buffalo Medical Group cannot accept responsibility for negotiating a settlement with your
insurance company for a disputed claim, or for collecting your payment from the insurance
company. If you have any questions about such matters, a member of our Central Business
Office will be available to talk with you. Please call 630-2600.
Please contact our Central Business Office, 716.630.2600, to ensure your
BMG Physician is a participating provider in any plan changes when offered a
choice during open enrollment by your broker or employer. Any change
to an out-of-network (non-participating) plan may create more out-of-pocket
costs for yourself or the need to find care elsewhere for some
out-of-network plans.
If you have a problem paying a bill, or fall behind with payments, please call our Credit
Department immediately at 630-2650, so we may assist you in resolving the matter.
Payment plans are available for those who qualify.
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