Office Policies

This information about our office policies is provided to answer the questions most frequently asked by patients. If you  have any other questions, please contact our office, and one of our staff members will be happy to help you.

Office Hours

The offices are open Monday through Friday each week, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are closed most major holidays. We see patients on an appointment only basis. Should you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. On occasion, emergencies occur and Dr. Behzadi may be called to the emergency room or operating room. This may result in your appointment being delayed or rescheduled. We ask for your understanding; should you need emergent care, the same priority will be given to you.

Telephone Calls

If you have questions concerning your Orthopedic care, please call the office. Our staff is trained to answer most questions. If your call requires that you speak to Dr. Behzadi, please leave a message and the doctor will return your call at the earliest opportunity. Should you have an urgent question while the office is closed, please call 925-460-0454, and the answering service will promptly forward your message to the doctor.

Authorizations

Authorization from your insurance provider is necessary for most tests and all surgical procedures. To obtain authorization, our staff must contact your insurance company and make a formal request. This process takes time and we ask for your patience. We request authorization within three working days following your appointment for routine requests and immediately for emergent requests. Each insurance provider’s response time varies. If you do not hear from our office concerning a request for authorization within five working days, please call us to inquire about the status of the request.

Emergency Care

In the event of a severe emergency, refer to the guidelines set out by your insurance provider. If you go to a hospital emergency room, ask them to contact Dr. Behzadi. If the situation is not severe and arises while the office is closed, please call 925-460-0454 and the answering service will promptly forward your message to the doctor.

Prescriptions and Renewals

All new prescriptions and prescription refills should be requested during normal office hours and are filled only during working hours. Please request refills through your pharmacist, who will then contact our office with the necessary information. Please allow two working days' notice for prescription renewal.

Insurance

Because of changes in the health care industry, insurance does not always pay for all care. We will assist with your insurance billing. Our business staff is here to help in answering your insurance questions.

Please be aware that your insurance coverage is a contract between you and your insurance provider. We are not a party to that contract. If your insurance provider does not pay within 45 days, you are responsible for the bill. The professional fees are your responsibility whether your insurance provider pays or not. We cannot bill your insurance unless you furnish us with all insurance information and an original claim form or Identification (I.D.) Card. Co-payments and deductibles are due at the time of service.

Durable medical goods (splints, braces, etc.) are not always covered by your insurance provider. Should you purchase a durable medical good, your insurance company will be billed first; if they do not cover the claim, then you will be billed for the cost of the product.

New Conditions

If you are a current patient with a new condition, please notify our staff. New conditions often require prior authorization to be treated. Without authorization, your appointment may be delayed.

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