Insurance / Billing
Dr. Lundquist is particularly sensitive to the soaring costs of medical care and insurance coverage. He is concerned that his patients understand their personal situation as best they can, and he and his staff will work with his patients when problems arise, as they, unfortunately, frequently do.
Plastic surgery is somewhat unique in the fact that is includes both insurance-covered, often reconstructive surgery procedures, and cosmetic surgery procedures that are not covered by insurance, but are paid directly by patients. This dual nature of reimbursement helps us to have a broad experience in many different situations.
A key definition is "medical necessity." Insurance companies usually restrict any payments only to that which they deem medically necessary. Notice that it isn't the doctor or the patient who gets to decide this. This can be a big source of frustration. And, even if a procedure is deemed medically necessary, payment questions are abundant. Your policy must be effect at the time of service. The services might need to be provided at certain locations only. There are usually deductibles and/or co-payments that must be made. Referrals and other paperwork items may be required. There are hundreds of insurance companies and thousands of different policies. There can be specific restrictions or exclusions that are only found in your plan. The details of your specific contract will control your personal situation, and you need to understand them.
Dr. Lundquist and his staff will work with each patient to try and provide the best, safest, and most cost-efficient care that is available. In some cases a prior authorization can be obtained from the insurance company that clarifies payment issues in advance. Costs of cosmetic surgery are described in the Cosmetic Surgery Payment Policy sheet on this website.
Because of the complexity of these billing issues and the constantly changing regulation and insurance company environment, Dr. Lundquist uses the services of Kaleidoscope Health Systems for almost all of his billing except for cosmetic surgery charges that are handled directly by the office. Kaleidoscope should be consulted if there are any questions about your statement, your outstanding balance, or any other billing or insurance payment issues. Their address is Suite 320, 7801 E. Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington, MN 55439. Phone: (952) 831-5773. FAX: (952) 831-7224. The other exception is that Cambridge Medical Center billing is handled by Allina, and Fairview Lakes and Blaine billing is handled by Fairview.
Our promise is that we will try to help you with the often-confusing area where we can. Unfortunately, we often don't know that there are problems unless you let us know. We don't see your hospital bills. We don't always see every piece of information from your insurance company. You must let us know if you are experiencing problems with your bill. Don't let them become an issue when we might be able to correct or adjust them.
News From ASPS
Train Accident Victim Keeps Hand, Thanks to Plastic Surgeon
Susan Galicia vividly remembers the day in April of last year when her son, Michael Villafuerte, failed to return to their home in the Elberon section of Long Branch after school.
Read more
New Technique Provides Option for Breast Reconstruction after Radiation
For breast cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy, a new technique consisting of fat injection followed by implant placement may provide a much-needed alternative for breast reconstruction.
Read more
Ear Doctors Performing Face-Lifts? It Happens
After moving from New York to Los Angeles in 2010 to take a job with a financial services firm, Joan, now 59, believed she needed to freshen her look.
Read more
The Risks and Rewards of Plastic Surgery
Imagine being so self-conscious, that even your husband of 10 years has never seen you completely naked. That used to be Sara Hagen.
Read more