Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the links below to find answers to frequently asked questions.

 

Q: How soon can I get an appointment?

A: When it comes to scheduling your appointment we understand that time and convenience are of the essence. Spine Associates has two convenient locations in Houston and in Beaumont, with Saturday clinics from 7 am to 6pm every other week. All patients are seen within three days of calling and after hours when necessary. Based on the time of day that you call, we can see you within hours of your call if the medical condition warrants quick treatment. This applies even to new patients.

Q: Where are you located?

A: Spine Associates has two locations in Houston and Beaumont. Our Houston office is located at 5420 West Loop South, Suite 2500, directly off of the 610 South feeder road between Westpark and Fournace. Our Beaumont location is located at 3129 College Street, Suite 300, behind the Beaumont Eye Center building directly across the street from Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital. Please refer to the Locations and Maps tab on the homepage for precise directions.

Q: Where is the parking area for the Houston Office?

A: Complimentary self parking is available in the garage connected to our building. Complimentary Valet parking is also available and is located at the other side of our building which is convenient for patients that are being admitted through the hospital.

Q: Do you pay or validate parking?

A: There is no charge for parking in either the Houston or Beaumont office locations.

Q: Do you have x-ray and MRI available in the office?

A: Yes we do have in house X-rays in our office. We also have an Imaging Department in the same building at the Houston office which houses the latest and most advanced technology on the market for MRI, CT and Ultrasound which can usually accommodate patients that need to have diagnostic testing following their appointment with Dr. Francis. In addition, we have relationships with several diagnostic facilities in Houston and Beaumont that we refer patients for quality, professional and timely service.

Q: Has my PCP sent over my referral?

A: You can contact our office to see if we have received a copy from your PCP. Many patients bring their referrals on the day of the visit. When referrals are a requirement by your insurance, we must have a copy prior to the visit in order to have the expected insurance coverage for the visit. For the first time patient, you will need to bring your referral with you.

Q: Are physician’s office visits and testing covered under co-pay or does it require coinsurance?

A: Different insurance plans have different benefits and coverage.Some include diagnostic testing with the co-pay and some require both a co-pay and co-insurance. Co-insurance and Co-pay guidelines vary from plan to plan for durable medical equipment (bracing). Our pre-certification staff at Spine Associates will contact your insurance carrier to verify your benefits prior to your appointment date and inform you of your plan specifications and responsibilities (co-pay) that will be due on the day of your appointment.

Q: How does “stop loss” or “out of pocket work”? (Does this include my deductible?)

A: While each insurance policy is different and unique, usually the sum of your co-pay, coinsurance and deductible payments throughout the year is applied towards a separate set amount known as “out of pocket” or “stop loss”. Once this amount is reached, the policy, in some instances, will pay 100% of the contracted rate.

Q: Why am I receiving a bill when I have more than one insurance policy?

A: The primary insurance deductible must be met before secondary or supplemental insurance will consider payment. Typically additional insurance policies will consider payment of any balances in accordance with their allowable fee schedule.

Note:If you have a commercial or indemnity secondary plan, deductibles, coinsurance and out of pocket will apply and will result in small balance amounts as patient responsibility.

Q: Do you take Medicare replacement (HMOs)?

A: We are not contracted with any Medicare Replacement HMO’s. We can accept the private fee for service plans that do not require PCP to be contracted. We also participate in traditional Medicare. Please refer to the Insurance Guide located on the home page.

Q: Is Spine Associates a provider for Worker’s Compensation Injuries?

A: Yes, if your employer has approved us on their network or doesn’t require a network panel of physicians.

Q: What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

A: Insurance card, Drivers license or another form of legal identification, Referral if necessary, Prescription list, X-ray, MRI or other diagnostic films and test reports.

Q: What if Dr. Francis recommends surgery? Where does Dr. Francis perform surgery?

A: St. Luke’s Hospital, Medical Center, Hermann Memorial Hospital Medical Center, Foundation Surgical Hospital & University General Hospital

Q: Will someone explain the cost of surgery?

A: We will contact your insurance company (primary and secondary) and based on the current data we estimate your portion of the cost of the surgery. We will contact you with this information and request your surgical fees prior to surgery if one is due. Surgery deposits can be paid over the phone with a credit card. Please note these fees only cover Dr. Francis’ services. We suggest that you contact your insurance provider to discuss other fees.

Q: Is my surgery approved?

A: We do request pre-authorization for surgeries when scheduled in advance. Emergency surgery from the emergency department at the hospital will be called in the next working business day.

Q: How do I know that my insurance will cover the surgery?

A: We have office staff that pre-authorizes all of our scheduled surgeries with the various insurance companies. However, preauthorization does not guarantee payment. If you are concerned, it is always best to contact your insurance company to inquire about their policies and procedures.

Q: Who fills out my disability and FMLA paperwork?

A: We have professional office staff that will complete these forms for you. You can bring it to the office or you can fax it. There is a $25.00 charge for completing the form. The charge requested for filling the paperwork out is set by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and is due prior to completion.

Q: Do I need to be referred by my doctor for physical therapy and/or pain management?

A: Yes, all treatments require a physician referral and written order. For ongoing care the orders must be reviewed and updated by Dr. Francis every 30 days. As a courtesy to our patients, we will send all referrals for additional treatment and diagnostic studies to the appropriate facilities.

Q: How do I get a refill on the medication that I was prescribed?

A: Call your pharmacy, they have all your information on file and will electronically send or fax a request to our office. If appropriate, the medication will be authorized for a refill. Please allow 24 hours for a refill request to be completed. If your insurance company requests pre-authorization on the medication please allow extra time (days) for your insurance to review.

Q: I just saw the doctor and I forgot to ask something.

A: It never fails… you think of important questions after you’ve left the doctor’s office. To increase awareness of spinal problems and answer any questions that you may have regarding particular spinal conditions, diagnosis and treatment options, click here to go to our Patient Information page, and then click on your topic of interest. If you are unable to find the answer to your question on our website, we suggest you write down your questions before your next visit. If you have a difficult time remembering what the doctor told you we suggest asking a family member or trusted friend to assist you or write down the answers for you.

Q: Does your office accommodate foreign speaking patients?

A: Yes we do. We have a Spanish speaking staff to assist you with making your appointments and all the other phases of your visit. In addition, we have translators for all languages. Please make arrangements for specific language translation when scheduling and appointment.

Q: What can I do to get better at home?

A: Spine Associates will provide information regarding home exercise if this is an option for you. The physical therapist that we refer you to can also create and explain a home exercise program for you with a doctor’s order.

Q: How much will physical therapy cost me?

A: Spine Associates will refer you to a licensed physical therapy facility that is close to your home or work. Your financial responsibility will depend on your insurance. Some insurance plans cover physical therapy without limitation and some cover a set number of visits or have an amount that once it is reached coverage stops. Check with your insurance plan or human resource department on your particular coverage.

Q: I was given a Physical Therapy order by Dr. Francis and I don’t know where to go.

A: Spine Associates will send your physical therapy prescription to a licensed physical therapy facility that is close to your home our workplace. We want our patients to receive the best care and convenience. If there is a particular facility that you would prefer for your physical therapy, please provide the name and contact information during your consult.

Q: Why am I being referred for Physical Therapy?

A: Dr. Francis has determined that you would benefit from Physical Therapy. A licensed physical therapist will evaluate and treat you in conjunction with your physician's order.

Q: What do I wear to Physical Therapy/My appointment with Dr. Francis?

A: Comfortable clothes/shoes that will allow you to exercise in a gym setting.