Office Policies

Parents and guardians are responsible for supervision of their children at all times while at Highland Pediatrics. 

Face Coverings Policy

Beginning 5/23/2020 and in compliance with state mandates implemented in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all adults and children over two years of age should wear an appropriate face covering over their nose and mouth unless some other arrangement is made with a provider or office manager.
Refer to this link: MA DPH Mask Policy

Missed Appointment Policy

It is Highland Pediatrics' mission to deliver excellent health care, but we can only do so when we actually see our patients. We request that if you are unable to keep an appointment or if you need to reschedule, then please contact our office at least 24-hours before the appointment time, otherwise you may incur a late fee. After hours you can leave a message with our answering service, and they will inform us in the morning. If a patient has more than 3 missed appointments without prior notification, then they and their siblings may be asked to leave the practice. By calling in advance, you allow us to give your appointment to someone else in need. And who knows? Maybe someday your child may benefit from an urgent appointment that became available after another family called ahead to cancel.

Late for Appointments Policy:
Although we work hard to stay on time, emergencies and unexpected complicated visits occasionally may cause a provider to run behind. But nothing throws off a schedule more than patients who arrive late for their appointments. We know life is hectic, but arriving on time for appointments really helps us keep to our schedule and provide the best care to everyone. We look at each situation on a case by case basis, but for patients who arrive late, we cannot guarantee that they will be seen right away or even at all that same day.  Other patients who arrived on time for their appointments will be given priority. Patients should call us immediately once they realize they will be late. Depending on the circumstances, they may be asked to reschedule to another day. An appointment for a patient who cannot be seen because they arrived late will be considered a Missed Appointment (see policy above). 

Payment & Office Policies

Please read our payment policy in the registration packet and read this page in its entirety. Please ask any questions you may have when you check-in for your visit or call the billing department prior to your visit. You will be required to sign our policies to confirm that you understand and agree to abide by these guidelines. All applicable copay's and deductibles must be paid at the time of the visit.

Insurance

We participate with most insurance plans. Each plan has different policies and coverage levels and it is your responsibility to know your coverage for medical services provided. If you are uninsured, ask us about setting up a payment plan that you can afford. We also have applications available for state assistance if you believe you qualify. Insurance plans change, so we ask that you verify your insurance with us at each visit. You will be asked to show your insurance card at each visit. If your MassHealth/BMC/Neighborhood Health Plan or any state plan has lapsed, please let us know. We can help so you are not charged for the visit. If you reapply quickly, there is a grace period to submit your claims, if not,  you will be responsible for payment. We will work with you to navigate often complex insurance rules, so call us with any questions and notify us immediately of any insurance changes. Please call the billing office at 508-679-6833, option 7.

Co-payments

It is your obligation to pay your co-payment/deductibles at the time of service. Due to insurance guidelines and regulations, we must collect a co-pay for every office visit. If you do not pay your co-pay at the time of service, you will be charged a $15.00 bill patient fee. Please remember we accept cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa and Discover.

Non-covered services

Please be aware that some - and perhaps all - of the services provided may not be covered or may be applied to your deductible by your insurance company. You will responsible for payment.

Claims submission

We will submit your claims to your insurance company and assist you in any way we can to help get your claims paid. Your insurance company may need you to supply certain information directly to them. Please do so promptly. However, any unpaid balance is your responsibility.

Coverage changes

Please notify us if your insurance changes before your next visit so we can make the appropriate changes to help you receive your maximum benefits.

Non-payment

We understand that these are difficult economic times. Please talk to us about setting up a payment plan that you can afford. Any unpaid balances may be forwarded to a collection agency. We make every attempt to contact you by mail and phone but it is your responsibility to contact us to set up a payment plan or update insurance information.

NOTE: Divorce has no bearing on the responsibility for medical care as it affects third parties. Whoever brings the child is expected to pay the charges due for the service rendered that day. Highland Pediatrics does not participate in payment disputes between parents.

Payment of Medical Problems Addressed at Well-Child Visits

Please be aware that your insurance may mandate that any medical problem that is addressed during an annual Well-Child Visit (Check-Up) and which is not considered part of the routine exam (for example conditions such as as asthma, ADHD, ear infection, etc) may incur a sick visit charge which may result in the patient being responsible for a co-payment or deductable.
Refer to the following link: Health Prevention Visits, Health Insurance Companies, and Co-Pays (PDF)

State Immunization Registry

Highland Pediatrics participates in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) that registers all immunizations in a state database to help provide better overall medical care to our patients.
Follow this link for additonal information:Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) (PDF)