Do you accept Medicaid?
We are not accepting any new Medicaid patients at this time. We are only serving Medicaid patients who are already established. If you have questions, please call us.

Do you accept Medicare?
Call for availability.

Do I need my insurance card?
Yes. You must bring your insurance card with you each visit. And, if you change carriers, or your carrier has a change of address, you must bring in the new card. You are responsible to give us your current insurance information or you may be liable for payment.
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Do you accept Workman's Comp?
Dr. Bander sees all workman's compensation through Northeast Rehab.
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What types of payment do you accept?
Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard only), checks (with valid ID), and cash.
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Who should I call to refill my prescriptions or samples?
You should call your pharmacy on refills for your prescriptions. Many prescriptions come with a limited number of refills. Some prescriptions require an office visit to be refilled and most prescriptions require an office visit.

If you require an office visit to refill your prescription, please arrange for an appointment at least three days before you run out of your medication. If you need samples refilled, you should call the office.

You must give a 48-72 hour notice on all refills. We will not refill medications on the same day.
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What is the SpineMed machine?
Studies have shown 86% of the patients with Spinal Disc compression report excellent relief with the SpineMed machine. For more information, please download the brochure on our Forms Page or go to http://www.spinemedtherapy.com.
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Do you do chronic pain management?
No. If someone’s injuries result in chronic pain, we refer to resources specializing in chronic pain management.
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What is First Line Therapy and do you offer a diet program?
First Line Therapy is a program developed by the Metagenics Company (www.metagenics.com) to help people improve their health by modifying their diet and lifestyle. Karen Bander, RN is a certified patient educator in this field. We also carry Vitamark Nutrition Products (www.vitamark.com).
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What is a D.O. ?
A Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) has the same four years of medical training as an M.D. but with additional training in Osteopathy. In order to qualify for licensing, a D.O. candidate must pass the same state medical boards as an M.D. Therefore, the D.O. can perform surgery and prescribe medications to the same extent as an M.D.
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What is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy was founded in the United States by Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800’s. It is based on the premise that the body is healing itself all the time. And where there is an
obstruction of the person’s vitality, there will also be illness. So, through physical manipulation, the flow of vitality is restored, nerve, blood, and energy flow. And then, so
is the person’s health. Osteopathy helps the body heal itself.
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What does NP stand for?
NP stands for Nurse Practitioner. A Nurse Practitioner is a registered Nurse who has received advanced education and training to provide extended medical care and prescribe medication. They perform most of the same services as an M.D. or D.O.
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What happens to my medical records?
Your medical records are kept for seven years after your last visit. In order for us to send out your information, such as to another physician, we need a signed release from you. To obtain your medical records, please call the office. Records can be released to the patient. A fee may apply.
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What is a fasting lab?
A “fasting lab” is a term used for blood tests, which test blood glucose levels (blood sugar) and cholesterol testing. It requires that you not eat or drink anything, except water, at least 8 hours before you come in.
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What is managed health care?
It’s a system that controls the financing and delivery of health services to members who are enrolled in a specific type of healthcare plan. The goals of managed health care are to ensure that:

• providers deliver high-quality care in an environment that manages or controls costs.
• the care delivered is medically necessary and appropriate for the patient’s condition.
• care is rendered by the most appropriate provider.
• care is rendered in the most appropriate, least-restrictive setting.

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What are the major types of managed care plans?

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
• Point-of-Service (POS) plans

Each of these systems has distinctive features or characteristics.
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Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO)
An HMO enters into contractual arrangements with healthcare providers (e.g., physicians, hospitals and other healthcare professionals) who together form a “provider network.”  In simple terms, a contracted provider is one who provides services to health plan members at discounted rates in exchange for receiving health plan referrals.

Members are required to see only providers within this network to have their healthcare paid for by the HMO.  If the member receives care from a provider who isn’t in the network, the HMO won’t pay for care unless it was pre-authorized by the HMO or deemed an emergency.

Members select a Primary Care Physician (PCP), often called a “gatekeeper,” who provides, arranges, coordinates and authorizes all aspects of the member’s health care.  PCPs are usually family doctors, internal medicine doctors, general practitioners and obstetricians/gynecologists.

Members can only see a specialist (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist, rheumatologist) if this is authorized by the PCP.  If the member sees a specialist without a referral, the HMO won’t pay for the care.

HMOs are the most restrictive type of health plan because they give members the least choice in selecting a health care provider.  However, HMOs typically provide members with a greater range of health benefits for the lowest out-of-pocket expenses, such as either no or a very low copayment (the amount of money a member is required to pay the provider in addition to what the HMO pays.  It often must be paid prior to services being rendered).
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Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO)
PPOs are similar to HMOs in that they enter into contractual arrangements with healthcare providers (e.g., physicians, hospitals and other healthcare professionals) who together form a “provider network.” 

Unlike an HMO, members don’t have a PCP (“gatekeeper”) nor do they have to use an in-network provider for their care.  However, PPOs offer members "richer" benefits as financial incentives to use network providers.  The incentives may include lower deductibles, lower co-payments and higher reimbursements. For example, if you see an in-network family physician for a routine visit, you may only have a small co-payment or deductible.  If you see a non-network family physician for a routine visit, you may have to pay as much as 50 percent of the total bill. 

PPO members typically don’t have to get a referral to see a specialist.  However, as mentioned above, there’s a financial incentive to use a specialist on the PPO’s provider network.

PPOs are less restrictive than HMOs in the choice of health care provider. However, they tend to require greater "out-of-pocket" payments from the members.
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Point-Of-Service Plans (POS)
A POS plan is often called an HMO/PPO hybrid or an “open-ended” HMO.  The reason it’s called “point-of-service” is that members choose which option – HMO or PPO – they will use each time they seek health care. 

Like an HMO and a PPO, a POS plan has a contracted provider network.

POS plans encourage, but don’t require, members to choose a primary care physician (PCP).  As in a traditional HMO, the PCP acts as a “gatekeeper” when making referrals.  Members who choose not to use their PCPs for referrals (but still seek care from an in-network provider) still receive benefits but will pay higher copays and/or deductibles than members who use their PCPs.

POS members also may opt to visit an out-of-network provider at their discretion.  If so, a member copays, and coinsurance and deductibles are substantially higher.

POS plans are becoming more popular because they offer more flexibility and freedom of choice than standard HMOs.
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