Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you do not see the answers to your questions, please contact your TriHealth Physician Practice.
What do I need to know if I am a new patient? To help serve you better, TPP asks that patients:
How do I know if TPP accepts my insurance plan? TPP serves patients with many types of insurances including HMO's, PPO's, Medicare and other insurance plans. It is the patient's responsibility to check with her/his insurance carrier if a physician s/he is considering is on panel for their particular policy. Patients are asked to bring their insurance card and one form of picture ID to each visit so that insurance coverage can be confirmed. Patients who are not covered by insurance will be asked to pay at the time medical services are rendered. Insurance benefits vary from plan to plan, please contact your insurance carrier or employer regarding your policy's benefits. What about co-pays and benefits? Any co-pays required by your insurance are due at the time of your visit. A co-payment is the amount a patient is required to pay at the time certain services are rendered. Refer to your insurance benefit summary for the co-payments that apply to you. Do I need to choose a primary care physician (PCP)? We recommend that you choose a PCP. We believe that a PCP is essential for the most effective and efficient delivery of care. This physician plays a key role in coordinating your care with specialty physicians and other members of your care team. Some insurance plans require that you designate a primary care physician. Please check with your insurance carrier. Their customer service number can usually be found on the back of your insurance card. If you are looking for a PCP, you can search by physician or by location. How do I retrieve or transfer my medical records? If you have not already made arrangements to have your medical records forwarded to TPP, we will request that your records be sent to us. To protect patient confidentiality, we are required to obtain a Medical Records Release form -- signed and dated by the patient -- for the release of medical records, including X-rays and immunization records. If you should move, we will transfer your records to your new physician. It is not possible to have records ready on demand. Please allow seven to 10 business days for this transfer to occur. There is no charge for medical records sent directly to another physician. However, there is a fee (based on the number of pages) for records requested for personal use, by an attorney, or by an insurance company. How do I make an appointment to see a TPP physician or provider? You can contact one of our convenient locations and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. They will provide you with the earliest available time that is convenient for you. If your preferred physician is not available, they will offer you an alternate choice. Please keep in mind that 24-hour notice is required when you are unable to keep an appointment. Failure to keep appointments may compromise your medical care and prevent other patients from being seen. What's the difference between family practice and internal medicine? Family practice physicians provide continuing and comprehensive healthcare for the entire family, including children and adults. Internal medicine physicians (internists) provide healthcare for adults 18 and older, and they coordinate all aspects of patient healthcare. Who can I call if I am ill after hours? Depending on your specific symptoms and situation, we advise you to:
What do I do in case of an emergency? In a life-threatening situation, call 911, and the medics will take you to the nearest hospital emergency room. For urgent medical needs other than emergencies, call your regular primary care physician. How do I get a referral to a specialist? In general, your primary care physician will coordinate your care and make appropriate referrals to specialists. Please note that specialist referral procedures vary greatly by insurance plan. Please check with your insurance company to verify their specific specialty referral process. Who do I call if I have a question about a bill I received? If you have a question regarding a bill you received from TPP, contact our patient accounts representatives at (513) 569-5074. If you have a question regarding a statement you have received from your insurance company, contact your insurance company's customer service department. Generally, the phone number is located on the back of your insurance card. What do I do if I have a hearing impairment and need to talk with a physician or provider? You can contact the Ohio Relay Service via TTY or voice at 800-750-0750 to communicate with your primary care physician’s office. |