Orthopedic Insurance and Billing Information
We work with many major health plans and help patients understand referrals, prior authorization and common billing questions. Because insurance networks change, the best way to know for sure is to call our office with your exact insurance card available.
The Insurance Company Name Is Not Enough
Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and other companies offer many different networks and products. Participation may vary by physician, plan, office, procedure and facility. The best way to know for sure is to call our office with the exact plan shown on your insurance card.
Verify Coverage Directly With Your Insurance Plan
Our staff can review the exact plan information on your card and help determine the next step. The best way to know for sure is to call the office before scheduling. Your insurance company still controls the final determination of network status, covered benefits and patient responsibility.
Call the member-services number on the back of your card and ask about the specific physician you plan to see—not only Atlanta Bone & Joint Specialists as a group.
Ask Your Insurance Company
Insurance Companies and Coverage Types
The names below reflect plans and coverage types currently represented on our insurance page. They are not a guarantee that every product, network or physician is participating.
Commercial and Employer Health Plans
Participation depends on the exact network and product listed on the card.
Medicare and Military Coverage
Medicare Advantage, supplement and military products must be verified individually.
Accident and Work-Related Coverage
These cases follow different authorization and billing rules from ordinary health insurance.
Help Us Process Your Visit Correctly
Accurate information at check-in reduces claim delays, denied claims and unexpected billing problems.
Current Insurance Card
Bring the front and back of every active primary and secondary insurance card.
Photo Identification
Bring a current driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID.
Referral or Authorization
Bring any referral number, authorization notice or claim information required by the plan.
Updated Contact Information
Tell us about changes to your address, phone number, employer or insurance coverage.
Referral, Authorization and Coverage Are Different
A referral allows you to see a specialist. Prior authorization allows a requested service to move forward. Neither one guarantees that the insurer will pay the entire claim or that you will have no out-of-pocket responsibility.
You May Receive More Than One Bill
Orthopedic treatment can involve several independent medical organizations. Each organization may bill separately and may have a different insurance network.
Physician or Practice
Office visits, injections, fracture care, surgery and other professional services may generate a bill from the orthopedic practice.
Hospital or Surgery Center
The facility may issue a separate bill for the operating room, supplies, nursing services and recovery area.
Other Medical Professionals
Anesthesia, radiology, pathology, therapy, durable medical equipment or laboratory services may bill independently.
Different Cases Require Different Information
Workers’ compensation, motor-vehicle accidents and self-pay care do not follow the same process as a standard commercial health plan.
Workers’ Compensation
We generally need employer, adjuster, carrier, claim number, date of injury and written authorization before scheduling under workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation informationMotor-Vehicle Accidents
Auto-related claims may involve health insurance, medical-pay coverage, liability insurance or other arrangements. Each case must be reviewed individually.
Car accident orthopedic careSelf-Pay and Patient Balances
Patients without active coverage or with high deductibles may ask about self-pay options. Existing balances and payment questions are handled through our payment resources.
Payment informationQuestions Before Scheduling?
Have the complete insurance card available when you call. Calling the office is the best way to know for sure whether we can work with your exact plan and what verification is still needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept my insurance?
Why does my card show a company you accept, but my plan may still be out of network?
Does prior authorization guarantee payment?
Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic specialist?
Why did I receive separate bills after surgery?
What happens if my insurance changes?
Verify Your Plan, Then Choose an Appointment
Have your insurance card ready and call the office for the most reliable answer about your exact plan. We will collect the information needed to begin the verification process.