OFFICE POLICIES
Appointment Cancellation & No-Show Policy
Empire Dermatology, PLLC understands that unexpected circumstances may arise and require you to miss a scheduled appointment. However, due to high patient demand and limited appointment availability, we ask that you provide advance notice if you are unable to keep your appointment.
Cancellation Notice Requirement
Appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
If adequate notice is not provided, the following fees will apply:
- $25 for regular office visits
- $100 for procedure or cosmetic appointments
These fees are not covered by insurance and are the patient’s financial responsibility.
Appointment Reminders
Appointment reminders (phone, text, or email) are provided as a courtesy. Failure to receive a reminder does not waive your responsibility to cancel or attend your scheduled appointment in accordance with this policy.
Repeated No-Shows
Repeated missed appointments or late cancellations may result in additional scheduling restrictions or, when permitted by law, discharge from the practice following appropriate notice.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide timely access to care for all patients.
Insurance & Payment Policy
Empire Dermatology, PLLC participates with many insurance plans; however, participation may vary by specific insurance product or network.
Insurance Verification
It is the patient’s responsibility to verify that Empire Dermatology, PLLC is in-network with their specific insurance plan prior to receiving services. Insurance companies often offer multiple plans with different provider networks and benefit structures. Verification of benefits does not guarantee payment.
Patients are required to present a valid insurance card and photo identification at each visit. Failure to provide current insurance information may result in rescheduling or financial responsibility for the visit.
Financial Responsibility
Patients are financially responsible for:
- Co-payments (due at time of service)
- Deductibles
- Co-insurance amounts
- Non-covered services
- Services determined not medically necessary by the insurance carrier
If insurance information provided is inaccurate or coverage is inactive at the time of service, the patient will be responsible for all charges incurred.
Upon request, we are happy to provide a cost estimate prior to your visit. Please note that estimates are not guarantees of final charges. Actual costs may vary depending on the services provided and insurance claim processing.
Payment Methods
We accept the following forms of payment:
- Cash (except at our North Tonawanda location)
- Check
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- CareCredit
A $30 fee will be assessed for any returned checks.
Outstanding Balances
We understand that unexpected financial difficulties may arise and encourage patients to communicate with our billing team promptly.
However, failure to make appropriate payment arrangements or repeated non-payment may result in additional collection efforts and, when permitted by law, discharge from the practice following appropriate written notice and opportunity to secure alternative care.
Keeping Information Current
To avoid delays in care or claim processing, patients must keep their contact information and insurance details current.
Self-Pay Policy
Empire Dermatology, PLLC welcomes self-pay patients and is committed to providing transparent, fair pricing for all services.
Patients who do not have health insurance, are not using their insurance benefits, or whose services are not covered by insurance will be considered self-pay patients.
Deposit Requirement
A mandatory deposit is required at the time of scheduling to secure a self-pay appointment. The deposit amount will be communicated at the time of booking and will be applied toward the total cost of your visit.
Financial Responsibility
Self-pay patients are financially responsible for all services rendered. Any remaining balance after the deposit is due at the time of service.
In accordance with federal and New York State law, self-pay patients have the right to receive a good faith estimate of expected charges for scheduled services. Upon request, we will provide a written estimate based on the information available at the time of scheduling. Actual charges may vary if services or treatment plans change.
Deposit Policy
To support appropriate scheduling and financial transparency, Empire Dermatology, PLLC may require a deposit at the time of scheduling for certain services.
Patients with high-deductible health plans, unmet deductibles, or other significant anticipated out-of-pocket responsibility may be asked to provide a deposit based on an estimate of their expected financial responsibility.
The deposit:
- Is applied to your account and credited toward the cost of services provided
- Is not a final bill
- Is based on available insurance benefit information at the time of scheduling
- May not reflect your final responsibility after insurance processing
Final charges are determined after services are rendered and insurance claims are processed. Any remaining balance is due upon statement, and any overpayment will be refunded.
Laboratory & Pathology Billing Policy
At Empire Dermatology, PLLC, certain specimens collected during your visit (including biopsies, cultures, or other diagnostic testing) are sent to independent, third-party laboratories for processing and interpretation.
Because these laboratories are separate entities, you may receive a separate bill directly from the laboratory that performs your testing.
Empire Dermatology, PLLC does not control laboratory billing practices, insurance participation, or payment policies for these outside laboratories.
Independent Laboratory Billing
Billing for laboratory and pathology services may be conducted by one or more of the following entities:
Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca
101 Dates Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 607-274-4400
ProPath Services, LLC
1355 River Bend Drive
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: 214-631-6721
Roswell Park Pathology
665 Elm Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-845-2300
Laboratory Alliance of Central New York
115 Continuum Drive, Suite 2A
Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: 315-461-3008
LabCorp
5415 W Genesee Street
Camillus, NY 13031
Phone: 315-621-1770
Insurance & Financial Responsibility
Each laboratory independently bills insurance and determines patient responsibility based on your individual coverage.
Empire Dermatology, PLLC cannot guarantee that a specific laboratory is in-network with your insurance plan.
Patients are responsible for verifying laboratory participation with their insurance carrier.
Any balance not covered by insurance is the patient’s responsibility.
If you receive a laboratory bill and have questions regarding charges, insurance processing, or payment options, please contact the laboratory directly using the contact information above.
No Surprises Act Notice
Laboratory services are provided by independent entities. If you are uninsured or choose not to use insurance, you may have the right to request a Good Faith Estimate directly from the laboratory providing your testing.
We are happy to assist you in identifying which laboratory your specimen was sent to if you have questions following your visit.
AARP
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
CHAMPVA
Empire
Fidelis
Highmark BCBS
Humana
Independent Health
Lifetime
Medicare
Medigold
Meritain
Multiplan/PHCS
Mutual of Omaha
MVP
Oxford
Railroad Medicare
Sieba
The Empire Plan
Tricare
Tricare East
UMR
United Healthcare
Univera
VACCN/Optum
WellCare
