Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2023-06-28T03:39:07+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section is designed to provide quick and comprehensive answers to common inquiries about our services and policies. It aims to address the most frequent concerns and assist our patience in finding the information efficiently.

What is Rheumatology?2023-05-22T01:59:51+00:00

Rheumatology is a subspecialty of internal medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions. Rheumatic diseases affect the joints and connective tissues, cartilage and tendons; many of these are considered autoimmune diseases, which arise from an abnormal response of the body’s immune system against its own tissues. These diseases can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and deformity of joints, tendons, bones and muscles.

Can my Rheumatologist act as my Primary Care Physician?2023-05-22T01:58:42+00:00

At Center for Rheumatology, our specialists primarily focus on rheumatic conditions and our patients are encouraged to also have an internist.

How do I schedule an appointment?2023-06-01T04:53:08+00:00

You may contact the office to schedule an appointment or register via the patient portal.

What insurance plans do you accept?2023-06-01T04:59:04+00:00
  • Aetna
  • Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicare with supplemental plans

We do not accept Medi-Cal or HMO plans

Are there any additional fees?2023-05-22T01:54:39+00:00

In order to provide outstanding service and care, there is an annual administration fee for non-covered services and increased demands for administrative tasks. New patients will be asked to pay this fee before their third visit to our office, or after the first year of care, whichever comes first.

Do you see patients with out of network or no insurance?2023-05-22T01:54:16+00:00

Yes. Sometimes an insurance company that we do not accept will compensate us for services, usually at a reduced rate. If a patient wants a consultation and have us attempt to bill their insurance for it, we will do so. However, the patient must pay for the consult with the doctor at the time of the visit. Please contact our office for out-of-network and cash rates.

Do you see patients with Worker’s Compensation or Private Injury Cases?2023-05-22T01:53:38+00:00

We do not accept Worker’s Compensation or Private Injury cases.

Do your physicians make house calls?2023-05-22T01:53:07+00:00

No.

Do I need to arrive early for my appointment?2023-06-01T05:00:47+00:00

New patients are expected to arrive 20 minutes before their first scheduled appointment time.

Where do I park?2023-06-01T05:02:27+00:00

There is ample paid parking available in the building. We do not validate. Alternatively, there are metered parking spots in the front of the building.

What should I do if I’m running late or need to cancel my appointment?2023-05-22T01:51:51+00:00

If you are running late for an appointment, please call the office with your estimated time of arrival. We will try our best to accommodate, but cannot guarantee you will be seen that day. Patients that arrive late for their scheduled appointment may have to reschedule their appointment for another day or time since our physicians make a strong effort to stick to their pre-arranged schedule at all times.

If you need to cancel an appointment, please do so 24 hours in advance. If a patient does not cancel their appointment within the prescribed cancellation period, a $75 cancellation fee will be added to the patient’s account.

Do I need a referral?2023-05-22T01:50:57+00:00

A referral is not necessary to schedule a consult with one of our physicians.

What should I bring to my appointment?2023-05-22T01:50:24+00:00

For your first appointment, please be sure to bring your driver license, or other form of photo identification, as well as your insurance card(s), or other forms of payment. Any pertinent medical records are also recommended.

For follow-up visits, the office requires current copies of insurance cards at all times. Please bring your insurance card(s) with you if your coverage has recently changed.

Do I need to fast prior to my appointment?2023-06-01T05:16:54+00:00

Fasting is only required for specific lab tests. Unless one of our physicians has requested you do so, you do not need to fast prior to appointments.

What type(s) of payment does your office accept?2023-05-22T01:47:54+00:00

We accept all major credit and debit cards, checks, cash, money orders or cashier’s checks.

Do you offer in-office X-Ray and Bone Density imaging?2023-05-22T01:47:18+00:00

Yes. Center for Rheumatology has a full service X-Ray suite which includes DEXA scans.

Do the doctors make call backs?2023-05-22T01:46:28+00:00

Our physicians make necessary call backs, usually after normal business hours, unless deemed urgent by the physician.

How do I obtain my lab results and other medical records? Is there a fee?2023-06-01T05:08:33+00:00

Medical records are released after the appropriate form is signed. Upon request and after physician review, our staff can release your lab results or other medical records via patient portal. There is no fee for physician-to-physician medical records. There is a nominal fee for personal use medical records and X-Ray discs; the fee depends on the chart size. Please allow 72 hours for processing of medical record requests.

Do my records become viewable on (Cedars-Sinai) CS-Link?2023-05-22T01:45:22+00:00

No. Our physicians may access CS-Link to view your records from other Cedars-Sinai physicians, but we do not upload Center for Rheumatology records to CS-Link.

Does your office complete insurance prior authorization and appeals? Is there a fee?2023-05-22T01:44:57+00:00

Our physicians and appropriate office staff will evaluate the options given by your insurance company and benefit coverage. If a prior authorization is required, there will be a fee depending on the level of staff involvement.

What is infusion therapy?2023-05-22T01:44:20+00:00

Infusion therapy provides patients with medication intravenously (IV). It is safe and effective for patients with a severe condition that has not been managed by oral medications or if oral medications are not an option. Center for Rheumatology provides on-site infusion therapies for the treatment of chronic conditions.

What can I expect during infusion therapy?2023-05-22T01:43:45+00:00

Therapy is managed by our team of rheumatologists and experienced nurses. The staff is specially trained in all aspects of intravenous infusion including emergency procedures. You will sit in a comfortable, automated recliner during the therapy, with the option to nod off during the procedure or pass the time with a book, magazine, personal smart phone, computer or tablet.

Is infusion therapy covered by insurance?2023-05-22T01:42:59+00:00

Medicare and most health insurance plans cover this type of therapy under medical plan benefits. We would be happy to contact your insurance company to determine your coverage.

How do I get a prescription refilled?2023-06-01T05:11:36+00:00

You may request a refill via our patient portal or contact your pharmacy to request prescription refills. Medication refills may take up to 48 hours to be completed, please allow adequate time for processing requests.

Who do I contact with billing questions?2023-06-01T05:13:38+00:00

Contact Center for Rheumatology Billing Department by dialing the office number and selecting option 6 or email them via the patient portal.

How do I pay my balance?2023-06-27T06:02:55+00:00

Balances can be paid via patient portal or contacting the billing office.