Patient Financial Policy
At Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics, we are committed to providing excellent medical and cosmetic care while maintaining transparent and consistent financial practices. This policy outlines patient financial responsibilities for insurance, payments, cancellations, no-shows, balances, and related billing matters.
Acknowledgment by Scheduling
By scheduling an appointment with Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this Patient Financial Policy.
Patients are responsible for providing accurate insurance and contact information, understanding their insurance benefits, and paying any amounts not covered by insurance.
Insurance, Copayments, and Deductibles
Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics will submit claims to your insurance company as a courtesy. You are responsible for providing accurate and current insurance information at each visit. Failure to do so may result in denial of claims, and payment will become your responsibility.
Verification of benefits is not a guarantee of payment. Final determination of coverage is made by your insurance carrier after your claim is processed. Patients are responsible for all balances not paid by insurance, including copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and any services determined to be non-covered.
It is the patient’s responsibility to verify that our providers are in-network with their insurance plan before receiving services. If services are determined to be out-of-network, the patient understands and agrees that they are financially responsible for charges not covered by their insurance plan.
Skin Cancer Screening Coverage
Skin cancer screenings are not classified as preventive services under the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s Guide to Clinical Preventive Services and therefore are not covered as “no-cost” preventive exams under the Affordable Care Act.
If your plan has an unmet deductible, an estimated charge will be collected at check-in and applied toward the balance once the claim is processed.
Self-Pay and Out-of-Network Patients
Patients without insurance or with out-of-network coverage are required to pay in full at the time of service.
Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics does not file claims for out-of-network benefits. It is the patient’s responsibility to confirm whether Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics is in-network with their plan prior to receiving services.
Outside Pathology and Laboratory Services
Some procedures, such as biopsies, cultures, or laboratory testing, require analysis by independent facilities. These laboratories are not owned or operated by Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics.
You may receive a separate bill directly from the laboratory. Questions regarding charges or network participation should be directed to the laboratory listed on your billing statement.
Payment Methods and Card Authorization
We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
By providing a credit or debit card, you authorize Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics to securely charge that card for any copayments, outstanding balances, or fees associated with missed or late-canceled appointments. You may request a receipt for any transaction.
A $35 fee applies to returned checks. Post-dated checks are not accepted. Payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been approved.
Cancellation and No-Show Policy
Appointment times are reserved solely for each patient’s care. To ensure fairness to all patients, we require advance notice for cancellations and reschedules.
| Appointment Type | Late Cancellation | No-Show |
|---|---|---|
| Standard medical or aesthetic appointments | Less than 24 hours’ notice: $50 late cancellation fee | Failure to arrive: $100 no-show fee |
| Cosmetic or extended procedure appointments, including injectables, laser, or any session scheduled for 30 minutes or longer | Less than 48 hours’ notice: $100 late cancellation fee | Failure to arrive: $200 no-show fee |
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may need to be rescheduled. Cancellation and no-show fees are not covered by insurance and will be charged to the card on file.
Repeated late cancellations or no-shows, defined as three or more, may result in dismissal from the practice. Your cooperation ensures fairness to all patients and allows us to accommodate others waiting for care.
Past-Due Balances and Collections
Balances not paid within 60 days of your first billing statement may be sent to a collection agency. A collection fee of up to 45% may be added to the outstanding balance.
If legal action becomes necessary, you are responsible for attorney fees and court costs. All legal matters will be handled in Davidson County, Tennessee.
Authorization for Insurance Payment
By receiving services from Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics, you authorize insurance payments to be made directly to Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics for services rendered.
You accept full financial responsibility for all charges, including those not covered or denied by insurance, as well as fees from outside laboratories or referred physicians. Failure to comply with this policy may result in termination of the patient-provider relationship.Â
By scheduling and receiving care at Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the financial policy of Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics. You accept responsibility for all charges incurred, including those not covered by insurance.
Contact Cortina Dermatology & Aesthetics
If you have questions about this financial policy, insurance billing, payments, or appointment fees, please contact the clinic before your visit.