General Conditions of Treatment
1. PATIENT CONSENT FOR SERVICES
I hereby consent to and authorize the performance of all treatments, surgery and medical services by the staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Care Foundation, which does business as Cedars-Sinai Medical Network. These may include but are not limited to: emergency treatment or services, laboratory procedures, X-ray examinations, medical or surgical treatment or procedures, or anesthesia provided to me under the general and special instructions of my physician or surgeon.
2. Financial agreement
I understand and agree that I am responsible for all Cedars-Sinai bills for services rendered to me during this visit that are not paid by my health plan, as applicable, and as permitted by state and federal law. I agree to promptly pay such amounts that are determined in accordance with my health plan’s contract with Cedars-Sinai or in a manner provided by Cedars-Sinai’s policies.
I understand that I may be eligible for aid in accordance with Cedars-Sinai’s financial assistance policies. If any account is referred to an attorney or collection agency for collection, I will pay actual attorney’s fees and collection expenses. All delinquent accounts shall bear interest at the legal rate, unless prohibited by law. If I have questions regarding charges, I understand that I should contact Cedars-Sinai’s Patient Financial Services at 866-803-1777.
Patient initials:
3. Assignment of health plan benefits
For this office or clinic visit or for outpatient services, including emergency services, if rendered, I assign all of my benefits, interests and rights to: collect payment from any source at a rate not to exceed Cedars-Sinai’s actual charges; appeal; receive or obtain copies of any plan documents;
and sue for payment or for any breach of fiduciary duty by any plan fiduciary and/or seek penalties, fees, interest and equitable relief. I understand that I am financially responsible for charges not paid according to this assignment in accordance with the terms of my health plan and to the extent permitted by state and federal law.
4. Copayment policy
If applicable, I will be required to pay a copayment at the time of check-in. If I do not pay my copayment, I understand that my visit may be canceled.
5. Insurance coverage
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to understand the benefits and limitations on benefits under my insurance or health plan and to contact my insurance carrier/health plan if I have questions.
6. Referrals/authorization
I understand that, depending on my insurance, I may need a referral from my provider to see a specialist. If so, and my provider decides it is medically necessary, I will allow 7–10 working days for this process. I will be promptly advised of any requests that are determined not to be appropriate or necessary. I understand that if I choose to access specialty services without prior authorization from my provider, or I elect to use a Point of Service option or fail to notify Cedars-Sinai if my insurance plan requires specific outside vendors such as laboratories to perform referred services, I may be financially responsible for the services rendered and insurance may not cover the relevant services.
7. Ancillary services
I understand that, depending on my insurance, I may receive a separate bill for laboratory, X-ray, anesthesia or other ancillary services.
8. Release of information
I authorize the release of my medical records or other information necessary to provide healthcare, to process my medical claims and for other purposes relating to healthcare operations.
9. Fees for patient’s health information
I hereby understand that I may be charged a cost-based fee when requesting copies of my health information, including the cost of copying (supplies and labor), postage (if information is to be mailed) and preparation for any summary or explanation if agreed to in advance.
10. Fee for forms
I understand that if I request to have any forms completed by my physician that are not directly related to patient care I will be required to pay a fee. Examples of such forms include, but are not limited to, jury duty excuse, Family and Medical Leave Act application, accident reports, and school and camp forms. There may be other forms with associated fees.
11. On-time arrival policy
I understand that I must arrive at least 15 minutes before the time of my appointment in order to register and provide information prior to the time my physician is scheduled to see me. If I arrive late for my scheduled appointment, I understand that it may be necessary to reschedule my appointment. My physician attempts to maintain an “on-time” schedule, but I understand that urgent or complex needs for patients with prior appointments may cause my physician to be late for my appointment.
12. No-show policy
I understand that if I miss an appointment with prior notice of less than three business hours, I may be charged a fee for a missed visit.
13. Medication refills
I understand that refills may take 24–48 hours to complete and that the most efficient way to get a refill is to contact my pharmacy directly. In order to ensure timely medication refills, I agree to notify my physician’s office regarding my preferred pharmacy.
14. Photography for patient identification
I understand that Cedars-Sinai is deeply committed to my safety and identity protection. I agree to have my picture taken at check-in for inclusion in my medical record. I understand that my photograph will be used to protect me from identity theft, to ensure patient safety and to further personalize the services I will receive. My picture helps to confirm that all members of the Cedars-Sinai care team are accessing the correct medical record.
15. Photography for clinical care
If clinically indicated, I will be advised if medical photographs need to be taken while receiving medical care through Cedars-Sinai. I consent to medical photography, and I understand that images from such photography may be used for my treatment or for Cedars-Sinai’s own healthcare operations, such as peer review or medical education, as Cedars-Sinai or my treating provider(s) deem appropriate. The term “photograph” includes video or still photography, in digital or any other format, and any other means of recording or reproducing images. It has been explained to me that the images will be a permanent part of my medical record. At the time a photograph is recommended, I have the option to revoke this consent.
16. No photography or recording on Cedars-Sinai premises without prior consent
Photography, filming or audio recording on Cedars-Sinai premises and/or the photographing, filming or audio recording of physicians, Cedars-Sinai employees and patients is strictly prohibited and permitted only upon administrative approval and with prior written consent from involved individuals, as applicable.
17. Open Payments database notice
The Open Payments database is a federal tool used to search payments made by drug and device companies to physicians and teaching hospitals. It can be found at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov.
18. Notice to consumers
Medical doctors are licensed and regulated by the Medical Board of California. To check up on a license or file a complaint, go to www.mbc.ca.gov, email licensecheck@mbc.ca.gov or call 800-633-2322.
By checking the box and clicking “Accept” I certify that I have read the foregoing. I am the patient, the patient’s legal representative, or otherwise duly authorized by the patient to certify the above and accept its terms on his/her/their behalf.