Patient Resources

An Advanced Level of Care

Digestive Health Partners participates in most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. Please bring your insurance card with you so that we can copy into your medical record. If you have a change in insurance, address or phone number, be sure to notify the receptionist so the change can be entered. We accept all major credit cards for payment. All balances are expected to be paid at the time of service.

Procedure Authorizations


It is the patient’s responsibility to obtain any referrals that may be required. When you are given a written referral, remember to take it along to your appointment; otherwise, the referral provider is not authorized to see you. Without a referral, you may have to reschedule the appointment or sign a financial waiver accepting responsibility for any charges

Billing Information


It is your responsibility to provide current insurance plan information prior to services rendered. It's important to be familiar with the guidelines of your insurance plan regarding authorizations, deductibles, co-payments and other requirements.

It is your responsibility to obtain any referrals that may be required. Without a physician's referral, you may have to reschedule the appointment or sign a financial waiver accepting responsibility for any charges. Please contact your regular doctor to authorize a referral before you make an appointment.

Payment for your services are expected at the time services are rendered. Co-payments and balances due are expected to be paid at the time of service. We provide insurance claim filing for insurance plans. If there is a balance due after payment by the insurance company, we expect prompt payment of the balance.

Asheville Gastroenterology Associates provides a variety of services for patients in both the Endoscopy Center or Office, so you may receive more than one bill.

Benefits Verification


As a courtesy to you, we verify your insurance coverage prior to your procedure. Uninsured patients, and those with high, unmet deductibles should anticipate paying a $250 deposit prior to the day of service. A member of our benefits verification team may call these patients approximately one week prior to the procedure to discuss your benefits and collect payment. Patients with BCBS, Medicare, Medicaid, and patients having a screening procedure will not receive a call from us.

Procedure Authorizations


It is the patient’s responsibility to obtain any referrals that may be required. When you are given a written referral, remember to bring it to your appointment; otherwise, the provider is not authorized to see you. Without a referral, you may have to reschedule the appointment or sign a financial waiver accepting responsibility for any charges.

Office Visits


For an office visit, you will receive charges from Asheville Gastroenterology Associates for the professional services of your physician. The level of service and associated charges are determined by the physician based on your needs, medical history, and the nature and complexity of your condition. If you are covered by a health plan in which we participate you will typically only receive a bill for these services if your co-pay or co-insurance was not paid during your visit.

Endoscopy


Because patients are sedated and must be monitored carefully, an endoscopic procedure (such as EGD or colonoscopy) is done in an outpatient setting either at a hospital or outpatient endoscopy center. For cost-savings and convenience, your physician will likely perform the procedure at one of the Endoscopy Centers, an accredited ambulatory surgery center (ASC).

Fees Associated With Endoscopic Services


You will receive charges that include:

  • A professional fee for your physician’s services (the fee for the doctor who actually performs the procedure) from AGA.
  • A facility fee for use of the facility which provides the equipment, sedation and monitoring (Endoscopy Center or Hospital).
  • An anesthesia fee for anesthesiology services that are rendered during your procedure.
  • If a tissue sample is obtained, a fee from AGA for processing the specimen
  • A pathology fee from PML Pathology for evaluation of specimen.


Cancellation and No-Show Policy:

Office Visits


Patients who fail to show up for an office visit or cancel less than 24 full business hours before the appointment will be charged a $50.00 fee. This fee is not covered by insurance and must be paid in full prior to rescheduling the missed appointment.

Fees may be waived due to extenuating circumstances subject to management approval.

Patients who fail to keep three (3) appointments in the span of one year may be dismissed from the practice for treatment noncompliance.

Endoscopy Procedures


Patients who fail to show up for a procedure or cancel less than three (3) full business days before the procedure date will be charged a $250 fee. This fee is not covered by insurance and must be paid in full prior to rescheduling the procedure.

Fees may be waived due to extenuating circumstances subject to management approval.

Patients who cancel or reschedule the same procedure three (3) times may be dismissed from the practice for treatment noncompliance.

About Our Business Office


The primary function of our Business Office is to file claims with your insurance carrier on your behalf. Our patient account representatives will follow up and file appeals as necessary and are here to help you with any questions you have regarding the processing of your insurance claim. Please contact our Business Office at (828) 254-0881 if you have any billing or insurance questions.

Other Resources


Good Faith Document
Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills
Financial Assistance

Take Control of Your Health

Whether you are looking for preventative care for colon cancer screening or seeking diagnosis and treatment for a gastrointestinal condition, we can help. We provide consultative and procedural services spanning the full spectrum of clinical gastroenterology and hepatology.

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