Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What about my insurance co-payment and deductible?

Bring your insurance identification card with you to all office visits. We need your current information in order to file claims to your insurance company. It is our responsibility to update this information periodically and when any changes occur. Insurance companies and managed care plans have different co-payment and deductible requirements which vary and often change without our knowledge. All patients are expected to pay their co-pay prior to each visit when checking in. We accept cash, checks, and credit / debit cards. There is a BB&T bank with ATM located conveniently at the corner or Arlington Boulevard and Javier Road if you have forgotten to bring your co-payment with you. There is a charge of $30.00 for returned checks.

Appointment reminders and Cancellations.

We will attempt to call you to remind you of your appointment one day in advance, but it is ultimately your responsibility to keep your scheduled appointment. You will be charged a $25.00 fee if you do not cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance, or a $50.00 fee if you miss your appointment. These fees payable by check or cash only, are not covered by your insurance. Please inform us of any changes in your address or telephone numbers so we can reach you to confirm appointments.

How do I obtain prescription refills?

All prescription refills should be obtained during your office visit by telling your doctor which medications you need. This ensures that you receive the correct medication and dose and provides the best medical care. Should you require an emergency refill at another time, please ask your pharmacy to fax us a refill request (Fax# 703.698.9278). All prescription refill requests require approval by the doctor and usually require 24 hours. In some cases, you may be required to see the doctor before a refill can be authorized. We do not call or fax prescriptions to mail-order pharmacies, so if you use this service, please remember to obtain 90-day prescriptions at the time of your visit. Prescriptions are not refilled outside of office hours, on nights, weekends, or holidays to avoid potential errors.

What if my prescription requires pre-authorization by my insurance company?

Some medications may not be covered, depending on your insurance company and plan, or you may be told that you need prior authorization by your insurance company in order to obtain a certain medication. It is often difficult to know in advance which drugs are covered by specific insurance plans. In the event that pre-authorization is required, you should call your insurance company to find out which alternatives are covered by your plan, or you may pay the out-of-pocket expense for the prescribed medication.

What about referrals?

If your health plan requires a referral for your visit with a specialist, it is your responsibility to obtain this referral prior to the visit with the specialist. This is important since referrals cannot be back-dated, and if you see a specialist without a valid referral, you will be responsible for the charges. In almost all cases, you will be required to see Dr. Ellison for the condition before we can issue the referral. Please allow 7 days for the referral to be generated.

How do I obtain a medical report?

Due to HIPAA privacy regulations, all requests for medical reports must be submitted in writing. If you request a letter, legal or other narrative report or a disability report, a fee will be charged. A fee will also be charged to complete any required form, such as disability forms and DMV forms. This fee will vary depending on the amount and type of information requested. You may be asked to schedule an office visit if additional information is required.

Telephone Case Management Services.

Some patients with questions and medical assistance needs may require a telephone consultation. Charges will be based on the length of the telephone calls and the nature of the medical services provided. Some brief calls may not require a charge.

How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?

If you need a copy of your medical records for another doctor, you must submit to us in writing a request for medical records with your signature and prepayment of $25.00. this administrative fee is not covered by insurance and must be paid by check or cash only. Please allow 30 days for records to be copied.

What are your hours?

8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Monday through Friday)
Phones answered 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Answering Service available after hours

We appreciate that your time is valuable and will make every effort to see you in a timely manner. Although we try to allow for emergency visits and work-ins, there will be occasions when you will have a long wait. We will try to keep these times to a minimum and ask your understanding. You will receive the same time, consideration and attention as the patient ahead of you.

Where are you located?

Fairfax.

Where should I park for handicapped access?

Wheelchair access is available at the side entrance.

What hospitals are you affiliated with?

Virginia Hospital Center

Our referral physicians have privileges at other area hospitals as well.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash and checks. We participate with most HMO, PPO, and commercial insurance programs. We accept Medicare and CHAMPUS assignments.

Do you file my insurance, or do I have to?

As a courtesy, we file claims on your behalf.

Do you charge for a no show?

Failure to cancel an appointment is discourteous. Please call us if you will not be able to keep an appointment so another patient can be scheduled. We do appreciate you calling as far in advance as possible if you must cancel an appointment.

Do you have a nurse on call, if I have questions after I leave?

Nurses are available to address inquiries during business hours.

How are emergencies handled after hours?

Calls are forwarded to a 24-hour answering service.

Is there anyone in the office that is bilingual or multilingual?

Interpreters are available upon request.

What is the age range of the patients you see?

We specialize in healthcare for adults and teens.

Are you seeing new patients?

Yes, we are accepting new patients.

How soon can I be seen?

Scheduling varies according to need. Please contact us for an appointment.

What is your policy for releasing records?

All medical records are the property of the clinic. If medical records need to be released, we will ask you to sign a written request for these records to be copied and mailed to a requested party.