Service Animal Policy

We welcome service animals in our lobby area but, to maintain a sterile and safe environment, we do not permit them in the exam rooms. Please bring someone to stay with your service animal during your appointment.

We understand the importance of service animals for our patients and welcome them in our lobby area, as it is a public space. However, for the following reasons, we must ask that service animals not enter the exam rooms:

1. Sterile Environment: Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of our procedures.

2. Animal Safety: During certain treatments, such as laser procedures, we do not have protective eyewear available for animals.

If you are bringing a service animal to your appointment, you’ll need to bring someone with you to sit with the animal in the lobby while you have your visit. Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to ask.

No Show, Cancellation, and Rescheduling Policy

We require 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling to avoid fees. A $75 non-refundable fee applies for late cancellations, with additional charges for extended procedures.

Your appointment is important to us and is reserved specifically for you. We understand that sometimes changes to your schedule may be necessary. Therefore, we kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling.

Please note the following fees for late cancellations or no-shows:

• A $75 non-refundable fee will be charged for appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours’ notice.
• For procedures or treatments requiring extended time, an additional $75 will be charged for every 15 minutes scheduled.
• If your appointment is 45 minutes or longer, the $250 cosmetic deposit will be forfeited.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Cosmetic Consults

Cosmetic consultations cannot be billed to insurance, and a $250 fee applies unless same-day treatment is possible. This fee may be credited towards future treatments depending on the provider.

Please note the following important information regarding Cosmetic Consults:

Insurance Billing: Cosmetic consultations generally cannot be billed to insurance. If a medical diagnosis is discussed and is related to your cosmetic consultation, and we are in-network with your insurance plan, we will bill your insurance accordingly. However, for consultations that focus solely on cosmetic procedures, a fee of $250 will apply. This fee covers the cost of the consult with Dr. Palep and does not apply towards any future treatment. For all other physicians, the $250 does go towards the treatment for up to 3 months after the consultation.

Same-Day Treatment: If you are able to proceed with treatment on the same day as your consult, you will not be charged the consultation fee. Please be aware that same-day treatment is not guaranteed and depends on the provider’s discretion, the specific procedure discussed, and available time.

SSD Cosmetic Appointment Agreement

Cosmetic-only appointments cannot address medical concerns. Any medical issues discussed will be billed through insurance, and appropriate fees will apply.

You may come in for a Cosmetics ONLY appointment. Medical issues will not be discussed during this visit. However, if you mention any medical concerns, such as:

• Acne
• Prescriptions (new or refills)
• Hair loss
• Other skin-related issues

We are required to document this, collect your copay, and bill your insurance.

Billing Information:

• Office visits are billed based on complexity, with balances for deductible plans starting at $250.
• Your balance is owed to your insurance, as we are classified as a “Dermatology Specialty/Professional Office.”
If you don’t have insurance or if your insurance is not accepted, please be aware you would be subject to the Selfpay Office visit price of $350 for new patients, and $250 for returning patients.

Referral Policy

Some insurance plans require a referral for specialty visits. Please check with your insurance provider to ensure you have the necessary referral at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Referral Requirements for Specialty Visits

In some cases, a referral may be required for your appointment. This depends on your insurance plan. Some commercial plans require a referral from your primary care physician, while others do not. Students may also need a referral. If you’re unsure, please contact your insurance provider directly.

Important Information:

• In most cases, it clearly states on your insurance card that a referral is required. They must be obtained from the correct portal (HMO) or your student health center (NYU/Columbia).
• The referral must be received at least 24 hours before your visit. Failure to provide a valid referral may result in a Self-Pay charge of $250.
• Most referrals cannot be backdated, so it’s crucial to have it ready before your appointment.

While we do our best to inform you of any referral requirements, it is ultimately your responsibility to know your insurance plan’s requirements. By signing below, you acknowledge your understanding of this policy and accept responsibility for ensuring compliance.

Full Body Skin Exam Policy

Annual Skin Cancer Screening / Full Body Skin Exams

Please note that annual skin cancer screenings are not classified as “preventative care” by insurance companies when done at a specialty office. While these may be considered preventative at your primary care physician’s office, dermatology practices are deemed specialty offices, and the visit will be billed as an office visit.
Patients are responsible for any applicable deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments based on their insurance benefits.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask or contact your insurance provider directly.

Financial Policies

Patients are responsible for providing accurate insurance information, ensuring referrals, and settling copays or balances at the time of service. Missed appointments or late cancellations may incur additional fees.

SSD Policies & Financial Disclosures

1. Respectful Environment:
We strive for a friendly atmosphere. Please treat our staff with respect. Abusive behavior may lead to dismissal from the practice.

2. Insurance Billing:
We will bill your insurance for visits. You are responsible for understanding your plan. Quotes for eligibility are not guarantees of payment. If you provide incorrect information leading to a claim denial, you will owe a self-pay fee of $250, which may not cover additional services.

3. Referrals:
If your insurance requires a referral, please provide it before your visit. If we receive rejected claims due to missing referrals, you will be responsible for the full visit cost.

4. Skin Cancer Screenings:
Dermatology visits are often not considered preventive by insurance. You may need to pay deductibles or copayments for skin cancer screenings.

5. Appointment Policies:
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. A missed appointment fee of $75 will apply. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may not be able to see you, and this could also result in a $75 fee.

6. Payment:
All payments, including copays and balances, are due at the time of service. Outstanding balances may lead to future appointment restrictions and could be sent to collections after 90 days.

7. Procedures:
All procedures will be at the doctor’s discretion after an initial consultation.

8. Laboratory Fees:
Blood work and pathology specimens are sent to outside labs. Fees from these labs are your responsibility.

9. Photo Consent:
I consent to have my photo taken for medical treatment purposes unless I sign a separate agreement.

Deductible Notice

If your deductible has not been met, you may be responsible for additional costs after your visit. Self-pay options are available starting at $350 for new patients and $250 for returning patients.

Copay, Coinsurance, and Deductible Explained:

• Copay: Amount paid at the office visit.
• Coinsurance: Percentage of costs paid after meeting your deductible.
• Deductible: Amount you pay for services before insurance starts to help.

Your Visit and Future Balance:
At this visit, you may still have an outstanding deductible. If your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum isn’t met, you’ll receive a statement by mail or a link via Klara to pay the balance once your claim is processed. If your copay is $0, no payment is needed today but you will be required to enroll in Autopay. All patients must leave a card on file. Here’s why:

• Office visits are billed based on their complexity. Balances for deductible plans often start at $250 and can increase.
• Your balance is owed to your insurance, as we are classified as a “Dermatology Specialty/Professional Office.”

Self-Pay Option:
You can choose to pay a self-pay fee of $350 for new patients and $250 for returning patients after your visit, which does not include procedures.