Insurance Authorizations

Office Visits

After your appointment is scheduled, a representative from Florida Orthopaedic Institute will contact your insurance company to verify eligibility, benefit type, co-payment amount, deductibles, and referral requirements. This is done three to five days prior to your appointment. Although we make every effort to obtain authorization for your visit, many insurance companies require the patient to acquire an authorization from their primary care physician prior to the appointment. You must contact your primary care physician at least three days prior to your visit at Florida Orthopaedic Institute to ensure they have forwarded your authorization. If you arrive for your appointment without an authorization, we may be required to reschedule your appointment.

Diagnostic Testing

Our Clinic Authorizations department handles authorizations for all tests requested by the physicians. These include MRI, CT, and EMG, among others. Each insurance company has its own rules regarding these outside services. Once your test has been scheduled, a representative from Florida Orthopaedic Institute will contact the insurance company, the primary care physician, or the Workers’ Compensation Adjuster to obtain an authorization for it.

Physical Therapy

Once referred to Physical or Occupational Therapy, our Therapy department contacts your insurance company as a courtesy to verify your insurance benefits. They will try to obtain information on insurance coverage, allowed visits, and patient responsibility amounts, if any. They will also work to obtain authorization for Therapy in those cases where authorization is required. It is always recommended that each patient call their insurance company as well, to confirm their benefits and any out of pocket expenses.

Durable Medical Equipment

Our Bracing Department provides patients with braces and supports as ordered by our physicians. Patients have a choice of where they receive these items, and for convenience to our patients they are offered at Florida Orthopaedic Institute. Florida Orthopaedic Institute generally charges a deposit amount for each item being prescribed, which is an estimated amount of what the patient financial responsibility will be. Should the deposit amount exceed the true financial responsibility for the brace/supply any left over amounts are credited back to any open balances, or refunded back to the patient. Patients will still owe for any amounts not covered by the deposit, including deductibles as noted on the patient explanation of benefits.

If you have any questions regarding your testing or equipment, contact Florida Orthopaedic Institute at (813) 978-9700 Ext. 7991.