What to expect on your visit

After you are greeted at one of the Michigan Hand Center locations, you will be asked to fill out a few forms to let the physicians and staff know more about your medical concerns, history, and insurance. For your convenience, you may fill out these forms before arriving. If you select this option, please either request that we mail these forms out to you, or download them here. If you would prefer to fill in these forms at our office, please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment.


Appointment Scheduling

We are happy to fit your schedule with an appointment during the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For patients with special circumstances, early morning or evening appointments can be arranged. If it is necessary to cancel your appointment, we request notification at least 24 hours in advance.

Emergency Situations

In case of an emergency, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (616) 957-4263. After office hours, our answering service will contact one of our on-call physicians, who will respond to your call promptly. Many emergencies can be attended to in our offices. However, if you believe the nature of your emergency requires immediate attention, please visit your nearest hospital emergency room or urgent care center.

General Payments, Insurance and Referrals

We request that payments or HMO co-pays be made at the time of service with cash, a personal check, and/or a major credit card. Cost estimates are available for elective procedures, and a deposit may be requested.

If you have insurance coverage, please bring your insurance card and provide us with the necessary information; we will then bill your insurance for you. Collecting your insurance benefits remains your responsibility. Your insurance may not cover the full amount of your surgery, office procedure or therapy, and unpaid balances remain each patient's responsibility.

Although we do not require a referral, your insurance provider may require your primary care physician or other health care specialist to authorize your visit. Services requiring pre-authorization from insurance providers and HMOs are the patient's responsibility. If you have been referred to the Michigan Hand Center, please bring medical records concerning your condition, such as x-rays or studies, and the name and address of the referring physician.

In all instances, Workers' Compensation must be pre-authorized by the employer's insurance carrier prior to service or the patient will be responsible for the bill.

Surgery Billing

Surgical fees cover the surgeon's services for your procedure. Generally, this fee includes normal post-operative care and suture removal. Additional casting or x-rays are not included. Standard fees may apply for office visits beyond the postoperative period. We will submit claims on your behalf directly to your insurance provider.

Hand Therapy and Rehabilitation Authorization and Billing

It is the patient's responsibility to obtain pre-authorization for therapy services from their insurance provider. Coverage for therapy services varies with each policy. We request payment for co-pays and non-covered items at the time of service.

Prescriptions

Prescriptions may be filled at the pharmacy of your choice. New prescriptions and renewals must be requested during our regular office hours so that your physician can review your medical records. Generally, prescription renewals can be completed within 24 hours, provided the patient is presently under the care of a Michigan Hand Center physician. When calling for prescriptions, please have your pharmacy phone number available and notify the nurse or physician of any medication allergies or sensitivities.

Confidentiality

We maintain patient confidentiality and will not release any information concerning your condition, treatment or care without your written authorization. When you file a Workers' Compensation claim, you authorize the release of your medical history to your employer, referring physicians and insurance carriers.

Patient Information Form (PDF) 44kb
Medical History Form (PDF) 36kb
Financial Policy (PDF) 74kb
Notice of Privacy Practice (PDF) 80kb