Out of Network Rates
Visit Cost
We work hard to save you money while improving service. See our estimates of what you might pay if you see other ENT doctors in the region.
You do not pay more than the rates quoted here. On average it usually takes 2 visits, sometimes 3 visits, to resolve your problem. Rarely does it takes more than that. This amount is due before your visit (see why). If you need extra services, we discuss this with you at the time of your visit and expect payment at the time of service.
If you have an out of network benefit, we will file a claim for you. This claim will not reduce your out of pocket expenses for the visit. However, filing a claim can apply the cost of your visit to your insurance deductible. This can lower your out of pocket costs for future in network doctor visits. See below for how out of network benefits work.
Extra Services
How Does My Out of Network Insurance Benefit Work?
Bottom line: When paid within 24 hours of your visit, you never pay us more than the prices here. We do not balance bill for payments made at the time of service.
We will confirm with you whether you have out of network benefits. If you do, we submit the full charge to your insurance. Your insurance will apply the full charge to your deductible.
Sometimes your insurance company pays our practice some money. We keep the money your insurance may reimburse us. It rarely results in a refund. This is because our rates are discounted below cost. The money your insurer may provide covers the cost of running our practice and allows us to see seniors and needy patients in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
At our practice, we always put our patients first. We're here to help you navigate the insurance process. Please contact us if you have questions.
Follow Up Visits
Follow up visits are billed by time. We can provide an estimate at your initial visit.
What If I Need Surgery?
Surgery works completely differently. Surgery costs typically are (1) surgeons fee, (2) surgery center, and (3) anesthesiologist. Surgery is billed primarily by a surgery center which is almost always in network with your insurance.
- Like your office visit, the surgeon's fee is self-pay. We charge $1,500 flat fee for all surgeries no matter how quick or involved. Simple surgery for nasal breathing? $1500. A complex cochlear implant surgery? Also $1,500. There are few exceptions to this, and we will discuss them with you directly.
- Surgery center is billed to your insurance. The surgery center will provide an estimate for you.
- Anesthesiologist is billed to your insurance. The surgery center will provide an estimate for you.
Implanted Devices: The cost of implanted devices like cochlear implants and other implantables is included in the surgery center costs.
Postoperative Issues: The surgeons fee includes the cost of Dr. Ruffin's management of any issues that arise for 30 days after surgery. This does not include the costs of a hospital, surgery center, or other personnel involved in your care.
Complete Self-Pay Surgery: If you do not have insurance, we recommend reaching out to us directly to get an overview of your costs.
Please contact us if you have questions about these potential costs.
Lab Tests & Imaging
These are done through partners and are billed separately. Most lab tests and imaging are billed to your insurance. For those who do not have insurance, they also have cash pay pricing.
Our Commitment to You
We work hard to earn and keep your trust.
Please note that your final bill will be broken down into individual CPT codes. In the quote above, we have bundled several of these codes to make it easy to understand what you owe. Your final costs will be the same as the quote above. We will always tell you during your appointment if something may incur further costs.
