Frequently Asked Questions - About IDEC - Iowa Diabetes and Endocrinology Center

We are part of the Mercy Professional Practice Associates (MPPA). Our office accepts most forms of insurance, including Medicare. We are considered a specialty office by most insurance companies. We would suggest that you contact your insurance company to find out if your plan covers the care you receive at IDEC.

Why am I being billed when I have insurance?

Many insurance companies have amounts which the patient must pay, these are called deductible, co-payments or co-insurance payments.

Deductible - A deductible is a set dollar amount that you pay before your insurance begins to pay its portion of the charges.
Coinsurance - A coinsurance is a percentage of the charge that you pay while the insurance company pays the remaining percentage.
Co-payment - A co-payment is a set dollar amount that you must pay when you receive care in certain settings—such as your doctor’s office, physical or occupational therapy department, the emergency room or surgical center. If you have a co-payment, it is due when you check-out after your office visit or other services.

If you owe a deductible or coinsurance, we will bill you after your insurance company has processed your claims and paid their portion of the charges.

How will I know if I have a co-payment?

When your insurance company shares this benefit level detail with us, we will ask for your co-payment at the time of the service. However, if the plan does not provide this information to us in advance, we will bill you for the charges after we receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance company.

When is payment of my bill expected?

With the exception of co-payment amounts, which are due at the time of service, we expect payment in full within thirty days after you receive your statement.

What if I cannot pay my bill in full?

There may be times when you cannot pay your total balance in one payment. Please contact the Physician Billing Office Customer Service Department at (515)643-2519 to assist you with a payment plan.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

If you do not have health insurance, we require payment at the time of service for office visits, lab visits and other in-office care. If you have questions regarding our payment schedule policy or financial assistance, please contact us at (515) 643-5100.

New Patients

Do you send new patient packets in the mail?

Yes, we try to send packets to new patients prior to their appointment; however, due to scheduling times you may not receive a packet. If you do not receive a packet, you may download, complete and print the forms online.

IDEC registration forms

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Please check-in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Bring your photo I.D. and insurance cards with you to all of your appointments. If you have not completed new patient registration forms ahead of time, you will have paperwork to fill out prior to seeing the doctor.

Your referring physicians’ office has already faxed relevant records to our office. If you have further records you wish to be reviewed by our physicians, please bring them at this time. In addition, be sure to bring either a current medication list or your bottles of medications. Plan to spend up to 45 minutes with the physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.

Do I need to fast (not eat or drink) before my first appointment?

No, our physicians will review your records and order any relevant tests after seeing you. As appointment times vary, we do not assume you are fasting for this visit. and your physician will give you specific instructions for any special testing.

Education

Do I need a referral for diabetes education?

Yes, your physician must refer you for education. If you have questions, please contact our office at (515) 643-5100.

Diabetes Education Center referral information

I am scheduled for a class that goes over the lunch or dinner hour. What should I do about my meal?

You may bring food and beverages to the class. During breaks, you may also purchase food items at the cafeteria, vending services and other dining options available at Mercy.

Do I need to bring my blood sugar records?

Yes, it is important to bring your records with you to any appointment you attend.

How long will I be there for diabetes education?

The amount of time you will be at your education appointment will vary depending upon your needs. We have a wide variety of classes with most initial appointments lasting approximately an hour.

Will my insurance cover diabetes education?

Most insurance companies offer coverage for diabetes education; however, your particular plan may not. Please check with your insurance company prior to your appointment. If you have questions, please contact our office at (515) 643-5100 and ask for the billing department.

Other Services

Bone density machine (DEXA)

Our office has a bone density (DEXA) machine that is used to evaluate bone loss. If you are not a patient at our office, you may still have a bone density screening done. To arrange a screening, please contact your primary care provider's office. They will need to send an order to our office for billing purposes.Â Generally bone density screenings are done every two years and the appointment will last approximately 30 minutes.

Thyroid ultrasound and needle biopsy

Several physicians in our office are certified to perform thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies. An ultrasound is a simple procedure used to image the thyroid gland located in the neck. Biopsies are done in coordination with an ultrasound to test for thyroid cancer. Needle biopsies are generally well tolerated procedures that result in a small bandage on your neck. Local anesthetic may be used depending on physician/patient preference. There are no restrictions before or after the appointment and a driver is not required.

Laboratory Appointments

Our office contracts with Laboratory Corporation of America and we have two experienced phlebotomists that handle lab draws and processing; we do not use Mercy Clinical Lab. Some insurance companies may not cover the total cost of labs if not done at an approved location. Please check with your insurance provider regarding lab fees and preferred draw stations.

We prefer all lab appointments—including drop-offs—to be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. We also ask that you arrive a few minutes prior to your appointment. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (515) 643-5100. The lab is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions regarding your labs, contact your physician’s medical assistant at (515) 643-5100.

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