This process depends on the specialist that you are being referred to and your insurance carrier. There are some specialties that require medical records prior to setting an appointment for you. Once we forward those records, we must wait until we are called by the specialists and provided with an appointment. Diagnostic Imaging, or requests for CT’s, MRI’s, etc., often require prior authorization. Prior authorization is a process by which your insurance carrier evaluates the medical necessity of the requested study. This sometimes requires phone calls, documentation, formal letters in support of as well as independent physician review.

Most results are back within 48-72 hours. Return appointments to discuss lab results are scheduled one week out to allow for those studies that require additional time.

It can vary from a few months to a few years depending on the severity of you symptoms and each individual clinical situation.

An insurance deductible is the amount that you are required and obligated to pay, prior to being seen, by the insurance policy. The deductible is normally chosen by the insured/employer and applies to those services performed outside of the office exam. i.e. X-Ray, Injections, Procedures, etc.

This is the percentage amount you are required, by your health insurance carrier, to pay towards your health insurance claims. The coinsurance percentage is usually in addition to your deductible.

Statements are mailed out the last Friday of every month. Although, at patient’s request, a statement can be produced at any time.

Dr. Walker considers lab results of the utmost importance. Lab tests and diagnostic studies are often performed in an attempt to identify underlying diseases to explain symptoms. Once lab results are obtained this can lead to unexpected diagnosis which require unique investigations and sometimes additional diagnostic studies. As you can see, there are many things that must be discussed during this return visit, such as prognosis, side effects, interactions, life-style and medication changes.

Insurance carriers use co-pays to share health care costs. It is a fixed amount required by the insurance carrier to be collected prior to each visit.

Varying concentrations of the very allergens that cause allergic symptoms when you come into contact with them via mucosa membrane, nose, throat, skin or digestive symptoms.

Allergy shots work by teaching or retraining the immune system not to overreact to common substances. This is done by injecting the very same allergens that cause your allergic reactions into your body. Your immune cells sense these allergens and begin to ignore them with repeated injections usually at weekly intervals.

Please call us at (870) 584-3000 and request your password. Each person will require his/her own unique password. We will provide you with additional instructions at that time.