Your First Appointment...
1. Is an appointment necessary?
--- Yes, working with a schedule is one way we attempt to respect the time of our patients. Although waiting does sometimes occur, it is our promise that each patient receives the time and attention necessary for his or her concern.
2. Is a prescription required for service?
---All insurance companies require a prescription accompany any claim processing. A physician's prescription is requested for most services.
3. What should be brought to the initial appointment?
--- A. The prescription provided by the referring physician –--B. Information regarding insurance or sources that will be assisting with the account ----C. A deposit for the service being provided may be requested at this time.
4. How much time does an appointment take?
--- Many appointments are scheduled for approximately one hour; depending on the physician's request, individual patient circumstances, and necessary procedures, appointment times vary. We will try to notify you in advance of appointments involving procedures that tend to run longer than an hour.
5. Will the item / service being requested by the physician be available to be picked up at the first appointment?
--- The majority of services provided by Peters Orthopedics are custom fabricated. It frequently requires 2-3 appointments to complete casting, fitting/delivery, and follow-up adjustments necessary to provide appropriate service.
6. How long will it take to receive my completed orthosis or prosthesis?
--- Most orthotic services require between one to three weeks to be complete.
---Prosthetics services, because of their complexity, usually require a minimum of three separate appointments at least one to two weeks apart. Once the device has been completed and fit to the patient, at least one follow-up visit is required to insure proper fit and function. Additional follow-up adjustment appointments may be necessary to resolve concerns .
7. Are both the facility and the practitioners accredited by a nationally recognized medical association?
--- Yes, both the facility, Peters Orthopedics, and its practitioners, are recognized by the American Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics. Mr. Don Peters is Board certified in the fields of orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics. Mr. Travis Norby is Board Certified is Orthotics. Both are graduates of Northwestern University and licensed to practice in the State of Illinois .
Our facility also is nationally accredited to provide post-mastectomy services. The American Board of Certification of Orthotics and Prosthetics, as well as the two leading mastectomy product manufacturers have certified our fitter, Janet Peters, RFOM. Non-surgical, post-mastectomy options including custom breast forms, off the shelf forms and garments are available through Peters Orthopedics.
Janet is also certified to fit custom and ‘ready to wear' compression therapy. Compression therapy garments are used in the treatment of vascular insufficiency, lymphedema, and skin ulceration related to circulatory concerns.
Insurance / Payment...
1. Does insurance cover the service?
--- In many cases, private insurance will assist with the funding of services provided by Peters Orthopedics. We are networked with many of the area insurance providers. During an appointment, our office staff attempts to contact the insurance carrier to provide projected patient responsibility information. Some insurance providers share benefit information only with the plan member and not a service provider. It is suggested patients contact their insurance carrier directly to determine patient policy coverage, restrictions, and deductibles .
2. Will Medicare cover the services?
--- In many case, Medicare will assist with the funding of a service provided by Peters Orthopedics. If Medicare is funding the service, a patient without a secondary insurance provider will still have some patient account responsibility.
--- Medicare funding guidelines are based upon medical necessity, diagnosis, and service frequency.
--- Peters Orthopedics is not required to accept ‘Medicare Allowable' for services.
3. Will IDPA cover the services?
--- After receiving 'prior approval' from the state, Peters Orthopedics provides many services for patients participating in the state's assistance program.
4. Does Peters Orthopedics work with the VA?
--- Yes. We are an approved provider for services requested by the VA. We work frequently with both the Danville and Chicago , Illinois VA offices.
5. What methods are available for patients to pay their accounts?
--- Cash, check Visa, Master Card, private insurance, approved government programs, and approved Workers' Compensation cases.
Other Concerns...
1. If a lower extremity brace or shoe adjustment is prescribed, is a special shoe necessary?
---Some considerations for how the shoe is made, and the shoe design or size may be necessary to accommodate the brace or modification. Your practitioner will provide guidelines and assistance to obtain the most appropriate footwear for the concern.
2. Are follow-up and adjustment appointments included as part of the total service?
--- Yes, follow up appointments related to the initial service are considered part of the initial service and are provide without additional office fees.
3. How long after the delivery date, is a service considered to still be part of the initial service?
--- Necessary adjustments vary depending on the type of device and the conditions in which it is used. Peters Orthopedics finds that most concerns can be addressed within six months of the date of initial service. Body size and medical need changes are not covered; a fee will be charged for adjustments, repairs or refurbishing.
4. Will a separate fee be charged each time a new device is required due to growth and/or body size changes?
--- Although many devices can be adjusted to accommodate minor changes in body size or shape, if a new device is required, the fee for a new device is the same as for the original device.
5. How long will my child be able to wear and use his / her orthosis / prosthesis?
--- Your child can use the device as long as growth does not compromise the proper fit, control, and function for which the device is designed. Most children are able to wear a device at least a year or longer.
--- Discussion with one of our practitioners will help you determine when a new device is appropriate.
6. If a device, either orthotic or prosthetic, is used for a period of time and is now no longer needed by a patient, (healing, death, etc.) can the device be returned for credit or refund?
--- No. Most devices are designed, fit, or provided based upon individual patient needs and sizing. Since devices cannot be used for another individual, no return or refund of the device can be accepted.
Discussion with one of our practitioners will help you determine when this is necessary.
--- Each set of foot orthotics is individually fabricated and is treated as an individual service. Due to changes in the foot presentation, molds are not retained for future services.
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