Patient Policies

Privacy Policy
Down East Orthopedics maintains patient privacy in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Payment Policy
Our physicians participate with most insurance carriers. Patients will be responsible for paying their insurance co-payments, deductibles and any self pay balances at the time of their visit. Payment arrangements can be made by contacting the office prior to your visit or at the time of your appointment.

No Show Policy                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    DEOA requires prior notification when appointments need to be cancelled or rescheduled. If we do not receive notice by 3pm the day prior to your scheduled appointment, DEOA will charge a $25 no-show fee for a Follow-Up visit or a $50 no-show fee for a new patient visit or procedure. We have set aside time, resources, supplies, and materials that cannot be recovered if you miss your appointment. Patients who no-show will not be rescheduled without paying the fee unless there are extenuating circumstances, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This charge will be collected prior to any additional appointments being scheduled.

Treatment Authorizations/Referrals
Many insurance carriers require a treatment authorization prior to your being seen by one of our orthopedists. These authorizations/referrals must be completed by your Primary Care Physician prior to your visit with us. If you do not have an authorization from your insurance carrier in may cause you to endure a higher out of pocket expense. Please contact us for help regarding this matter.

Hospital Care
Our physicians perform services at Eastern Maine Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and DOWNEAST Surgery Center in Bangor. When you receive care at any of these places, the bill for your doctor’s services will be separate from the bill you receive from the hospital.

Medical Records
We maintain a complete electronic medical record on each patient. All information contained in your medical record is treated as confidential material and will only be released to your treating and referring physician. A signed written release must be completed & faxed to 207-942-5631 if you want your medical information sent to any other parties.

If you are going to become a new patient at Down East Orthopedics and feel other providers have records that may be helpful to your appointment with us, please print one of our Medical Release Forms to forward to your provider. The release form along with your records can be faxed to 207-942-5631.

If you have any questions about Medical Records, you can contact Michelle at (207) 307-8960 or mbrasslett@downeastortho.com