We want to share some important news with you about changes that may affect your healthcare services with us. We believe it's essential to keep you informed so you understand what's happening and why.
Our practice is dedicated to providing the highest quality spine care. As one of the region's leaders in advanced procedures like artificial disc replacement and minimally invasive surgery, we work hard every day to help you live a healthier, pain-free life. Your well-being is our top priority.
You might have heard that we are now out-of-network with some insurance companies. This means that these insurance plans may not cover our services in the same way they did before. We know this can be confusing and frustrating, so we'd like to explain what led to this decision.
Despite our excellent care and the positive outcomes we achieve for our patients, many insurance companies have not increased the rates they pay us for our services. In fact, some have asked us to accept even less money than before. This is happening while the costs of running our practice—like medical supplies, equipment, and staff salaries—are going up due to inflation.
Think about this: You've been working hard at your job for many years. You always get great performance reviews, and your boss says you're one of the best employees. But you haven't had a raise in a long time, even though everything around you is getting more expensive. When you finally ask for a raise to keep up with the cost of living, your boss tells you that you need to take a pay cut instead.
This is similar to what we're experiencing with some insurance companies. We asked them to adjust our rates fairly so we can continue to provide you with the best care possible. Instead of working with us, they responded by asking us to accept a significant pay decrease.
Accepting lower payments would make it very difficult for us to maintain the high-quality care you expect and deserve. It would limit our ability to invest in new technology, hire skilled staff, and spend the necessary time with each patient. We believe you shouldn't have to compromise on the quality of your healthcare.
That's why we made the difficult decision to go out-of-network with these insurance companies. We didn't make this choice lightly. We know it may cause inconvenience, and we are truly sorry for any stress this may cause you.
Some insurance companies might suggest other doctors or clinics as alternatives to our services. While there are many good providers out there, we want you to be aware of a few things:
We encourage you to choose a healthcare provider based on your comfort and trust, not just on what your insurance company suggests.
We understand that this situation is frustrating, and we share your feelings. Many of you have reached out to us with kind words and support, and we can't thank you enough. Your trust and confidence in us mean the world.
Our mission has always been to provide you with the best possible care. We are committed to:
We are hopeful that the insurance companies will reconsider their positions. We want to return to being in-network so that accessing our services is as easy as possible for you.
In the meantime, we are here to help. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you with understanding your options and making the best choices for your healthcare.
We value each and every one of our patients. Your health and satisfaction are why we do what we do. Thank you for your understanding, your support, and for allowing us to be part of your healthcare journey.
Sincerely,
Kris Radcliff
If you have any more questions or need help, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding.
Together, we'll navigate this challenge and continue to focus on what matters most—your health.