We want to share some frequently asked questions we receive and the answers we provide at Powell Orthopedics & Sports Medicine to furnish you with useful information. If you still don't find the answer to your question, feel free to give us a call at (205) 877-9191.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring the following with you to each appointment:
- Registration paperwork: New patients and patients seen in the last 12 months will NOT need to bring completed registration forms. You can download the forms or our office would be happy to mail them directly to you.
- Photo ID
- Insurance card(s) and co-pay
- Copies of any imaging studies and the report if possible (MRI, CT, X-ray)
- List of current medications
- Notes from any previous treatments or providers for your current problem
Do I need a referral?
Most patients do not require a referral. However, if your insurance is an HMO/managed care plan and you are required to obtain a referral from your primary care physician, the referral must be obtained before you can be seen for an office visit. Please coordinate this with your primary care physician in advance.
Appointments will be rescheduled if required referrals are not received in the office by the time of your visit. It is ultimately the patient’s responsibility to ensure the referral is up to date. Our staff will be happy to help you determine if this is necessary before your appointment.
When is payment due and what payment methods do you accept? Will a deposit be required for surgery?
If your insurance plan requires you to pay a co-payment, co-insurance, and/or a deductible, you will need to pay at the time of your visit. For your convenience we accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
If you have a surgery scheduled, we will verify your insurance benefits for coverage and obtain precertification. A pre-surgical deposit is required prior to the surgery date; the amount of the deposit depends on your insurance coverage and benefits. Please call our billing department to discuss payment options if needed.
Do you accept my insurance?
You are responsible for confirming with your insurance company that our providers are in-network with your plan. We accept the following major carriers:
- Medicare
- BCBS of Alabama
- Humana
- United Healthcare
- Viva
- Healthspring
- Most Medicare Advantage plans
- Workers’ Compensation (carrier info, claim number, and date of injury required)
If you have a question related to your bill or insurance, please contact our billing specialists at (205) 877-9191.
How can I get a copy of my medical records?
Please complete our medical records request form. Medical records requests are processed as quickly as possible but can often take 7-14 business days to complete. Medical records cannot be released without written consent from the patient or guardian.
How can I get a refill on my medication?
Requests for refills can be completed by calling our office during office hours at (205) 877-9191 or making a request through the patient portal. Medication refills may take up to two days to complete, so please plan ahead for evening or weekends when the office is closed.
All narcotic prescriptions must be picked up from the office as Alabama state law prevents them from being called in or electronically prescribed. A photo ID is required for prescription pick-up.
What are your office hours?
At our location, our office hour is:
- Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
- Friday: 8 am - 12 pm
Bad Weather Policy
In the event of severe weather conditions, if our office closes, the closure will be listed on our Facebook page and we will make every attempt to call our scheduled patients and let them know.
Holiday Schedule
We are closed for the following major holidays so that our providers and employees can enjoy time with their families:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
