Ambulatory Surgical Suite

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need an office visit prior to my procedure?
• What type of prep for do I need for my procedure?
• Are there charges for Diagnostic and Medical Procedures at the ASC?
• Are there charges for biopsies?
• How is Anesthesia billed?
• What is the cancellation policy for procedures?

Answers

Do I need an office visit prior to my procedure?
We require a “pre-visit” prior to any Endoscopic procedure for two important purposes. Firstly, we are required by the Department of Health Regulatory Board to provide an up to date pre-assessment. Second, we believe that the medical complexities ranging from medications and medication allergies to blood thinners, are all best covered in this type of meeting. In addition, an appropriate and most optimal prep will be chosen. We can provide the most thoughtful set up and implementation of your procedure after having such a preliminary meeting during which time each patient’s health history and individualized needs are assessed.

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What type of prep for do I need for my procedure?
Preparation is needed for all GI procedures. The type and extent varies considerably depending upon the procedure and the individual patient. Our specialists will choose the optimal prep having considered all the variables. Please be assured of our awareness that in many cases the preparation is inconvenient and uncomfortable. It is a ‘necessary evil’ however, for getting accurate information and performing your test safely. Options are reviewed by our specialists regularly so as to choose the best ‘pre’ for our patients.

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Are there charges for Diagnostic and Medical Procedures at the ASC?

All services performed in our Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) will have both a Professional Fee and a Facility Fee billed to your insurance carrier. Our staff will coordinate your precertification for you prior to your procedure.

• The professional fee is the fee billed by your doctor for his/her services in performing your procedure. These fees are within the range considered usual and customary for this geographic area. Payment in full is expected at the time of your procedure for private insurance plans that are out of network. You will be responsible for any co-insurance or copayments applicable per your plan.
• There is a facility charge if your procedure is performed at the Bergen Gastroenterology Surgical Suite in our Emerson Office. The amount will vary by procedure and contracted insurance plans. We will submit the claim to your insurance company. All patients will be responsible for any coinsurance or copayments applicable by your health plan for the facility.

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Are there charges for biopsies?

If a biopsy is required during the course of your treatment, a tissue sample will be sent to a Pathologist for interpretation. Many samples will be read by our BG Pathology department. We attempt to send your specimen to a participating provider in your insurance plan. You may receive a separate bill from the Pathologist. The amount will vary depending on the number of pathology samples taken during your procedure. Any billing questions associated with any laboratory bills are best directed to the lab itself as we do not have access to the detailed information regarding your pathology billing.

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How is Anesthesia billed?

A credentialed Anesthesiologist is on hand during procedures at Bergen Gastroenterology’s Surgical Suite. This service enhances the comfort of our patients during gastrointestinal procedures and allows us to maintain the highest level of safety. Anesthesia services will be billed to your insurance company. Billing contacts for anesthesia will be made available to you for any questions you may have prior to the procedure.

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What is the cancellation policy for procedures?

Please reschedule procedures with as much advanced notice as possible. The will allow for re-utilizing the appointment time for other patients in need. Please note that cancelling your procedure less than 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled date will incur a cancellation fee of $350. This will be billed to you personally and is not covered by your insurance.

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Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.