PRACTICE TYPE, FEES, PAYMENT, INSURANCE
Is Yellow Rose a concierge practice?
No. A concierge practice charges an annual fee in return for a certain number of visits and services. This is a Direct Payment Model where patients pay for services as they are provided.
These visits cost a lot of money. How did you arrive at your fees?
I consulted with other headache specialists and neuro-ophthalmologists who also use a Direct Payment practice for examples, both in Texas and other states. I arrived at my fee schedule taking into account others' publically posted charges, the value of my expertise, the Dallas market, the length of the visit times (which are longer than any other practice I looked at), the amount of time it will take to complete the visit requirements beyond the actual visit (such as finishing the chart note, reviewing records, doing research on unusual cases), risk level (for procedures) and overhead expenses.
Why don’t you participate with insurance or Medicare?
I experienced dramatic changes in organized medicine throughout my academic career. An inherent tension exists between the goals of insurance companies and those of medical practice – insurance companies are primarily interested in making money by controlling what patients can receive, and doctors’ primary goal is providing high-quality medical care. Insurance companies come between patients and doctors because of lots of bureaucratic red tape, which not only takes up physician time but also requires a larger staff to handle everything. My practice goal is to provide something better for my patients needing specialized care, most of whom have very complex and extensive medical histories and have seen other physicians in the past.
In a direct payment model, the patient pays the physician practice directly, just like paying an attorney, veterinarian, hairdresser, electrician or plumber. As a direct payment provider, I have the flexibility to schedule longer visits to really get to know my patients and understand their concerns and their treatment goals without having to sit at the computer “checking boxes” or rushing through the appointment.
If you do not participate with insurance, why do you need my insurance information?
We need your insurance information for medication and procedure prior authorizations, prescribing medications and ordering tests.
Will I get a statement to submit to my insurance carrier to see if they will reimburse any of the cost of my visits?
Absolutely! You will receive a receipt with the diagnosis and procedure codes that you can send to your insurance. We can even provide instructions on how to submit the claim. Note that you cannot submit for reimbursement to government payers such as Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare.
Why do you need my credit card number? Is it secure?
We will request your credit card information when your appointment is scheduled and will bill you when you check out. You are not obligated to use the credit card on file to pay for your visit. It will be used as needed for telemedicine, should you ever have a virtual visit as well as no-show fees.
We use a vendor called Instamed which is certified for healthcare payments. The system is HIPAA-compliant, encrypted and secure. Instamed has a class A rating and is linked to our electronic medical record.
Your credit card information will be kept on file through Instamed and you will be informed right away of any charges and sent a receipt.
Can I set up a payment plan to spread out the payment for my visit?
Yes, Instamed has the capability to set up a payment plan and your credit card will automatically be charged at the agreed-upon interval and amount.
What types of payments do you accept?
Preferred payment methods: Cash, debit card, check, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Google Pay, Apple Pay and e-transfer (e-check) from a checking or savings account. (No chickens or livestock, please.) Credit card accepted are Mastercard, Visa and American Express. Beginning October 1, 2024, a 5% convenience fee will be added for credit card transactions.
I get Botox injections and they are pricey! Will I need to take out a second mortgage (or win the Mega-Millions) to pay for the drug?
We can almost always get injectable medications for you through your insurance and the Botox Savings Program helps with the out-of-pocket costs. We will only charge for the injection fee ($350).
LOCATION, PARKING AND AMENITIES
Where are you located?
We are located in Dallas just south of the LBJ expressway (635) on Hillcrest Road. The building is called “Creekside on Hillcrest” and it is actually off Hillcrest on a small street labeled (on the traffic light) “Hillcrest Plaza” (separate directions are at the bottom of this webpage and in the Patient Portal - your GPS may not be accurate). The address is 12740 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas 75230. We are in suite 269, upstairs in the north end of the building (the side with Dr. Robinson’s name on it). There is an elevator in the main lobby.
Is there free parking?
Yes! Parking is free (but not covered).
Is there a place to get food or a beverage in the building?
Unfortunately, there is not. There is a small café in the office tower next door within walking distance. As our visits are long, we recommend that you bring a snack if needed. There are many nice places to eat at the intersection of Preston and Forest, and at the southwest corner of the intersection of Preston Road and the LBJ expressway (635). Both areas are within 2 miles of the office.
Can you accommodate a wheelchair?
Yes
Is translation service available for non-English speakers?
No. Patients requiring translation should notify us in advance (so we allot enough time because the visits take longer) and arrange to come with someone who can interpret for them.
PHYSICIAN COVERAGE AND ACCESS
I know that Dr. Friedman travels to attend and speak at conferences all over the world. How does it work when she is gone? And do you have coverage after hours?
There is no physician coverage when I am out of town and I am not "on call". I will check messages on the Patient Portal as I am able, and the staff will also send me phone messages. If you have an emergency, you should go to the emergency room, urgent care, or contact your primary care doctor in my absence.
What are your office hours?
Regular office hours are Tuesday and Thursday 8 AM to 4:30 PM with intent of expanding once we are settled. (Those days may be modified from time to time to make up for missed days due to travel or holidays.)
What if I need a prescription refill when Dr. Friedman is out of the office?
Prescription refills can be requested through the Patient Portal which can be accessed from anywhere in the world where there is internet service. However, if you are overdue for a return visit, the prescription may be denied or limited until you schedule and complete your visit .
TELEMEDICINE
Can I have a telemedicine appointment so I don’t have to travel to the office?
We offer telemedicine. However, it is not the intention of the practice to have a major telemedicine focus.
Neuro-ophthalmology patients must have their visits take place in the office to be examined.
Although headache medicine lends itself nicely to telemedicine, I feel that it is suboptimal to have the initial visit performed virtually except for unusual circumstances which will be approved on a case-by-case basis. Follow-up headache medicine visits can be done using telemedicine but I must see you at least once a year in the office (per Texas law).
Telemedicine is used for short, focused, urgent visits in many practices. However, many urgent needs in headache medicine can successfully managed with in-office procedures, avoiding a trip to the E.R. or urgent care. Please keep this in mind as you think about what the best method is to handle your situation.
According to Texas state law, telemedicine patients must be physically present in Texas to be seen. You will be asked to indicate your location at the time of your visit.
What is the price for telemedicine?
The cost of telemedicine and in-person visits are the same.
OFFICE POLICIES (CANCELLATION, LATE FEES, DEMEANOR)
What is the cancellation policy?
First, let’s explain why I even have a cancellation policy. Myoffice visits are lengthy and there is a long list of patients waiting to be seen. When someone doesn’t show up for their appointment, it’s too late to try and fill their slot, so the appointment time is wasted.
New patients will be charged the full amount of their visit unless they cancel at least 2 business days (48 hours, excluding weekends and official holidays) in advance. Established patients must cancel at least 1 business day (24 hours or more, excluding weekends and holidays) to avoid being charged.
This is not meant to be a punishment. We realize that people get sick and things come up that are out of one’s control.
Do you keep a wait list or cancellation list?
Yes
What is the policy for arriving late?
Patients arriving late will only be seen during their regularly scheduled appointment time – this is your time. If you arrive late, your time will be cut short. If you arrive too late to have a productive visit, you will be rescheduled. Late patients are charged the full fee for their scheduled service.
Note that there is a lot of background work that goes into a new patient visit, both on our part and yours. Do not arrive for your appointment expecting to omplete various information forms and questionnaires on site – you will be very disappointed! Patients scheduled for a new patient visit should set aside at least an hour prior to your first visit to get everything done on the Patient Portal so you will be ready to start the appointment when you get here. If you have trouble with the Portal, contact us for help. If you waited until it's too late for that, come to the office an hour early to complete it.
Although we are conveniently located between two major north-south expressways (Dallas North Tollway and Central Expressway/75) and just off the LBJ (635), it’s no secret that there is a lot of traffic in Dallas. Accidents (or “wrecks” as we call them in Texas), construction and bad weather are unpredictable so be sure to allow plenty of time to get here.
My extended family would like to accompany me during my visit. How many people can I bring into the exam room?
One other persion can be in the exam room with you, with your permission. Please try to avoid bringing small children to your visit. I need your full attention and, as the visits are long, children often get restless. We strive to maintain a quiet and relaxing enviroment in the office suite and the building.
The office is a scent-free zone, as various odors can trigger headaches. Be mindful to avoid perfumes, colognes, scented lotions and even clothes laundered with scented dryer sheets. If you (or someone accompanying you) are explosed to cigaretted smoke, the lingering scent on clothing can be problematic.
I don’t feel well, Dallas traffic makes me nervous, and I’m just having a bad day. Can I vent in the office?
No venting! The patient-physician relationship relies on mutual trust and respect between all parties. We understand that when people don’t feel their best, are in pain, or worried about their condition, they don’t always act their best and we believe in second chances in most cases. We also realize that our practice may not be the right fit (although we hope it is!) and some personalities clash. Behaviors including, but not limited to, rudeness, foul language, insults, threats, obstinacy, treatment non-adherence, drug seeking or lying may be grounds for dismissal from our clinic at my discretion. This includes abusive or untoward behavior towards any member of our team.
We look forward to seeing you and participating in your health care.
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