Card on File Frequently Asked Questions:
Why the change?
Insurance plans have become increasingly complex in coverage, patients have higher deductible plans and are responsible for more of their medical costs. A credit card on file is a convenient method to pay the portion of the service that the patient is responsible for such as a copay, deductible or co-insurance. It also reduces some of the financial challenges the medical practice incurs.
What if I do not have a credit card?
A valid credit card, debit card, health savings account (HSA) card or flexible spending account (FSA) card will be accepted. We may require an additional card to be kept on file should the funds in your HSA or FSA account become insufficient. If you do not wish to keep a card on file, our policy is to collect an estimated payment the day of your visit for the services rendered. Once the insurance processes the claim, they will send an explanation of benefits (EOB) to both you and our office showing your total patient responsibility. We use this to determine your remaining balance due or we will refund you if the balance is less than what was collected the day of service.
What about identity theft and privacy?
Under HIPAA, we are under strict state and federal guidelines to protect patient privacy. Your card on file is considered protected health information. Your cards are securely stored in a PCI-compliant payment gateway and card numbers are not visible to staff. Only the last four digits will show in our system.
Does this policy apply to everyone?
All patients are required to keep an FSA, HSA, credit or debit card on file regardless of insurance or visit type.
Do other medical practices have credit card on file policies?
Yes. Many medical practices, imaging centers, outpatient surgical centers and outpatient laboratories require a card on file. This policy is similar to other industries like hotels, car rental and travel agencies.
How will I know how much you are going to charge me?
You will receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier that explains how much of your office visit they pay and how much you pay. This tells you exactly how much of your health care bill is your responsibility and how much is the responsibility your insurer. In addition, South Lyon Dermatology will notify patients via email statement 1 week prior to charging the card on file.
What if I need to dispute my bill?
We will always work with you to understand if there has been a mistake. We will refund your card if we or your insurance company has made a billing error. We will only charge the amount that we are instructed to by your insurance plan in the EOB they send to us.
What if I have more questions?
Our friendly staff are happy to speak with you about your account.