Q & A

Q:  Why did I receive a bill from Moscow Family Medicine?

A:  If we are not contracted with your insurance company or the services we provided are not covered by your policy you may receive a billing statement from us.  You may also receive a bill for your copay, coinsurance and/or deductible amounts.  To ensure you get the greatest benefit from your health insurance coverage, check your policy to make sure the services you seek are covered and don't hesitate to call your insurance company if you need clarification about what services your policy covers or whether Moscow Family Medicine is and "in-network" provider.

Q:  Should I see an OB doctor for my pregnancy?

A:  While there may be benefits to seeing an OB doctor, you would get the same great care from a family physician who also provides OB care. In fact, your family doctor can also take care of your baby after delivery and all the way through growing up. Another advantage is that you can see your family doctor for other troubles during pregnancy when an OB doctor may have referred you elsewhere. By having one doctor, you avoid the hassle of fragmenting your care to different places. We have an ultrasound machine in office so your doctor can check on your baby right then and there when needed. Our doctors are also experienced in high-risk pregnancy care but will refer you to a specialist if needed.

Q:  Wouldn’t it be better to bring my child to a pediatrician rather than a general family doctor?

A:  The choice, of course is yours. However, we believe in treating the whole family and there are benefits to that: Everyone’s information is in one place. You can have multiple appointments in one day in one clinic rather than racing from one place to another. Your child will build a relationship with his/her doctor over time and won’t have to switch at age 18. Our doctors are well experienced in pediatric care and love to work kids into their schedules for acute illnesses.

Our nursing staff is gentle and un-rushed when it comes to those dreaded shots. We are patient and aware that it can be scary for little ones to go to the doctor’s office. Parents concerns and questions are always taken seriously.

Q:  What can I do when I need an appointment but my doctor is booked for a week?

A:  If you have an acute problem, check with your nurse/medical assistant to see if you can be worked in. This is often possible. We try to keep spots open for this purpose. You may also see another provider in the clinic. Quick Care might be an option for minor illnesses or injuries. Your records will be updated and your doctor will be informed if you see another doctor in one of our clinics. It is always best to schedule regular follow-up appointments in advance if possible.

Q:  Do you take my insurance?

A:  Moscow Family Medicine accepts a great variety of insurances. Check with our billing department to be sure. We do not bill international, so if you are a student or visitor from another country you will have to pay your bill and then send it to your insurance for reimbursement.  We offer cash-pay discounts for those without insurance who pay in full at the time of the visit.

Q:  As a student at U of I, do I have to go to the Student Health Clinic or can I go to Quick Care when it’s more convenient for me?

A:  Your SHIP insurance will prefer that you go to the Student Health Clinic during their hours of operation. If that office is closed, you may go to Quick Care for a slightly higher co-pay. Your co-pay will be higher if you go to Quick Care during open Student Health Clinic hours. If you have commercial insurance, you are welcome to use either the Student Health Clinic or any of our other clinics.  Please keep in mind that the Student Health Clinic offers walk-in services for those without scheduled appointments.

Q:  When should I see a specialist for my problem?

A:  First, see your primary doctor. Many things can be diagnosed and treated right here and specialists often book for weeks or months out. However, if your problem needs specialist attention then your doctor will refer you, send your records to the specialist and have an appointment scheduled for you. We cannot refer you without documentation of the problem within the past six months.