Frequently asked questions
We look forward to helping you get back on the path to better health by addressing your rheumatology needs. As a micro practice, we focus on our patients completely and provide streamlined, comprehensive care. Here are some questions and answers that may help you understand the Magnolia Rheumatology practice model.
You are an out of network physician. What does that mean?
An out of network physician means that the cost of the office visit may not be reimbursed by your health insurance company (unless you have out of network benefits in your commercial health insurance plan). However any labs/medications/imaging that may be needed will still be covered under your health insurance as usual.
Why are you an out of network physician?
After practicing as a rheumatologist in New York for over 10 years as part of other academic practices and private practices, I realized that I did not want third parties to dictate how long I could spend with my patients (which was any where between 15 minutes-20 minutes)! Now, all my appointments are allotted 60 minutes. I wanted to give my greatest gift which is my time to my patients. Rheumatological conditions often affect many organ systems and can affect not just the physical but also emotional well being of the patient. Being out of network will allow me to spend more time with each and every one of my patients so that I can address these needs to provide comprehensive care and focus. I can spend time thinking about you. Care will not be rushed and we work for you and with you.
How can the office visit be reimbursed by my health insurance?
If you have primary commercial insurance, our office will directly send the claim to your insurance as a courtesy billing so you won’t have to worry about submitting it on your own. Patient’s with Medicare (or with Medicare plus supplemental) will not be able to submit any claims to their insurance for reimbursement.
I have Medicare. Will you still be able to order medications, labs or imaging studies for me even if you are an out of network physician?
Yes. Even though I am an out of network physician, the medications, labs or imaging studies will still be covered under your insurance as usual. The office visit will not.
How can I reach you if I have a question outside of a regular rheumatology visit?
I believe that having accessibility to a physician is very important. This is something that was difficult in other practices given all the layers it would take in order to send a message to the physician (i.e. call centers). Once you are my patient, you will be able to contact me directly through email, office phone call or secure text messaging. If you leave me a message, I will respond to your questions and needs in a timely fashion.
What ways can I see you?
You can make a rheumatology appointment to see me in my office, telehealth or as a house call if you live in the lower Westchester area. If you are seen in a televisit, we may be able to come to your house to collect any lab work that may be needed as well. Whichever way works for you and your schedule.
Can I get lab work completed at your office if needed?
Yes. We draw your labs in our office (or at your home) and we send the labs to either Quest or LabCorp which are generally in-network laboratories for most insurances.
Do you have extended appointment times?
Our office hours are generally from 9am to 5pm. However, if you are unable to make it during these time we may be able to accommodate you on certain days of the week for appointment times between 5pm - 7pm and on Saturday mornings from 9am - 12pm.