Welcome. Here's How to Get Started.

We don't bill insurance for our visits, and payment is due at the time of service.

If You Have Commercial Insurance

If your plan has out-of-network benefits, we'll give you a superbill, a detailed receipt you can send to your insurer for possible reimbursement. Insurance can often still be used for labs, diagnostics and medications.

Before Your First Visit

Call your insurance company and ask about:

• Your out-of-network deductible
• Reimbursement rates for out-of-network providers
• How to submit a claim, and how long reimbursement takes

What We Provide

• A superbill after each visit, with provider information and credentials, diagnosis and procedure codes, date of service, fees paid and our tax ID
• Clinical notes, if your insurance company asks for them for a claim
• Letters of medical necessity, when appropriate

Your Part

• Submitting claims to your insurance and following up on them
• Understanding your out-of-network benefits
• Paying our fees, whether or not your insurance reimburses you

Reimbursement varies by plan and isn't guaranteed. Your insurer makes coverage decisions, not our practice.

HSA and FSA

You can use them for our medical services, many prescribed medications and supplements, and lab tests ordered through our practice. Aesthetic services aren't eligible. We provide itemized receipts with medical codes, and documentation of medical necessity when needed.

Both of our providers have opted out of Medicare. If Medicare is your primary insurance, you'll sign a private contract before your first visit. This is a federal requirement for providers who have opted out.

• No claims can be submitted to Medicare for our services, by us or by you.
• Medicare supplement and secondary plans won't cover our services either, and we can't issue superbills for Medicare patients.
• You're responsible for all charges.

Have questions? Please ask before your first visit. We'd rather talk it through now than have it be a surprise later.

Your appointment time is reserved for you. We need at least 3 business days' notice to cancel or reschedule, so we can offer that time to another patient.

• 3 business days or more: no charge. Just let us know by phone or text.
• Less than 3 business days, or a missed visit: 50% of the visit fee, charged to the card on file.

We know emergencies happen. If something unexpected comes up, let us know and we'll work with you. Cancelling after hours? Leave a voicemail on our main line and we'll get it first thing the next business morning.

Telehealth works well for follow-ups that don't need a physical exam. Book it the same way you would an in-person visit, and make sure we have a card on file.

• Dr. Spiegel's patients: your video link arrives as your appointment starts.
• Jennifer's patients: your secure link arrives by email the morning of your visit.

Running late? Call us right away. If your provider is running behind, we'll text or call you, and you'll always get your full scheduled time.

What It's For

See your records and test results, request refills and message our team, all in one secure place.

Getting In

• Watch your email for the setup link. It works for 24 hours. If it expires, call us and we'll send a new one.
• You'll confirm who you are with a code, so have your cell phone and email handy.
• Once you're set up, sign in anytime at yourhealthfile.com.

Open Patient Portal

When to Use It

• Portal messages: non-urgent questions, refills, scheduling and forms. We reply within 1 to 2 business days.
• Something urgent during office hours: call us at (301) 231-5050.
• Emergencies: call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

New or worsening symptoms, or several questions at once, are best handled in a visit.

We work with specialized labs to find what's driving your symptoms. Your provider sends the lab a requisition, the order for your tests, and the lab bills you directly. Many labs can bill your insurance too.

• Have insurance? Contact the lab before your draw to confirm which tests are covered and what you'll owe.
• No insurance or a high deductible? Many partner labs offer discounted cash prices or payment plans. Ask us and we'll show you how to request those rates.

Results usually take 2 to 4 weeks. We check for results daily and will call you to schedule your follow-up. If it's been more than 4 weeks, please reach out.

Refills

Request refills in the Medications section of the portal. Allow 1 to 2 business days, and extra time for controlled medications or prior authorizations. Check with your pharmacy first, since you may already have refills on file.

Prior Authorization

Some medications need approval from your insurance before they're covered. We work directly with your insurance company, send the clinical documentation they ask for and keep you updated. Coverage decisions rest with your insurer, so we can't guarantee a medication will be covered.

If Coverage Is Denied

We'll let you know right away and look at options with you, like a covered alternative, a generic, a different dosing approach, discount cards or manufacturer assistance programs. You can also appeal, and we'll provide the documentation for it.

Testosterone and Other Controlled Medications

Maryland requires an in-person visit to start any controlled medication, including testosterone. Staying on testosterone takes two in-office visits a year and regular lab work, usually at least every six months. Book visits and labs early so there's no gap in your prescription.

Pharmacies

• Compounding pharmacies: they'll contact you within 24 to 48 hours of receiving your prescription. If you haven't heard from them within 24 hours, call us.
• Licensed Canadian pharmacies: some patients use one to save on cost. We can send your prescription there, and you set up your own account. Shipping takes longer.
• Changed pharmacies or insurance? Let us know right away so your prescriptions aren't delayed.

Supplements Through Fullscript

We recommend professional-grade supplements through Fullscript, shipped to your door. Once your provider adds recommendations, you'll get an invite to set up your account.

• Getting your past records to us: the fastest way is to request them from your previous provider and send them to us. We can also request them for you with a signed release.
• Sending records to another provider: we send them within 24 to 48 hours of your signed authorization, at no charge.
• Outside forms like FMLA or disability: these take provider time to complete, so there's a fee, paid in advance. Standard processing is 5 to 7 business days.