PATIENT INFORMATION
WELCOME
Thank you for choosing Bay Area Hand Surgery Associates for the evaluation and treatment of your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder problem. We hope the following information will help you understand our office procedures and streamline your experience with us.
Our ultimate goal is to return function to your hand and/or upper extremity and allow you to resume your previous lifestyle. These complex injuries affect not only how you use your hands at home but also what you do with your hands at work. We hope you find the following information helpful in acquiring the best possible outcome for your hand or upper extremity problem.
You will find information regarding appointments, patient forms and prescriptions in the New Patient or Established Patient sections below.
You can find information regarding Insurance Plans, both private and workman's comp under the Insurance Tab.
You will find a great deal of information on your patient experience that explains many facets of your treatment at Bay Area Hand Surgery Associates under the Resources Tab.
New Patient
Thank you for choosing Bay Area Hand Surgery Associates for the evaluation and treatment of your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder problem. We hope the following information will help you understand our office procedures and streamline your experience with us.
How do I schedule an appointment?
To expedite scheduling your initial appointment, please contact our office directly at (510) 763-0884. You can also request an appointment directly from this website by using the contact tab and selecting the "Request An Appointment" button.
Do I need prior authorization or a referral for my appointment?
Please contact your primary care physician and insurance company for any needed referral information. Your insurance company representative can help you determine if a referral is needed by your primary care physician. If that is the case, your physician can generate the necessary paperwork to ensure your visit is pre-authorized if necessary. All referral arrangements should be completed before your first visit.
What do I need to bring on my first visit?
If possible, please bring your completed patient information data form to your first appointment. If you have any questions, we can assist you in completing this form when you arrive.
Please have your insurance card available so we can verify your insurance and ensure your medical claims are filed correctly. Insurance is often complicated. To avoid confusion, it is always best to review your personal policy and consult your insurance carrier ahead of your visit. You will be expected to pay all co-pays at the time of service.
Please bring any previous x-rays, medical records, and test results when you arrive for your scheduled appointment. Upon scheduling your appointment, our staff will let you know the necessary records for the appointment.
Patients should be aware that it may take up to two weeks for our office to receive any records from referring physician offices. If outside records are not received, it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment.
How long will my appointment last?
The first appointment is always the longest, so please allow up to two hours. The physician will need to review your medical records and discuss your medical history and current complaints. A physical assessment of your extremity may reveal that special tests are needed to determine a treatment plan. Such tests may include an X-ray, EMG, nerve conduction study, MRI or laboratory tests.
Established Patient
Thank you for continuing to choose Bay Area Hand Surgery Associates for the treatment of your hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder problem. We hope the following information will help you understand our office procedures and streamline your experience with us.
How do I Schedule a followup appointment?
If a followup appointment is required and one was not scheduled at the conclusion of your visit, please call (510) 763-0884. You can also request an appointment directly from this website by using the contact tab and selecting the "Request An Appointment" button.
How do I get prescriptions refilled?
Prescription refills are handled during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. only. In order for your physician to review your medical history, please allow up to 48 hours to process your refill request. Please understand that any calls received on Friday will not be processed until the following week. For prescription refills, please call (510) 763-0884.
My physician has requested special tests for diagnostic purposes. Do tests such as a Nerve Conduction Study, EMG, or MRI require prior authorization?
All of these special tests will require prior authorization from your insurance carrier before our office can make arrangements with the appropriate facility regarding scheduling an appointment. The authorization process may take up to 2-6 weeks, although we work hard to get authorization faster. It would be beneficial if you, the patient, also contacted your insurance company regarding the benefits of these special tests for diagnosing your hand or upper extremity problem.
What should I do in an emergency regarding my medical care?
Our physicians are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to care for all of your emergency orthopaedic needs. For non-life-threatening after hours emergencies, please call (510) 843-3900.
How do I get copies of my medical records?
Our office must have a release form signed by the patient before any records can be released to a patient or outside provider. Release forms can be obtained by calling or visiting our front desk. You can also download the medical release form below. Patients may fax the medical release form or letter requesting medical records to 510-763-8753.
Please be aware that it may take up to five business days to process your request.
If requesting a copy of digital X-rays on a CD a $15.00 service fee will be charged
Our Partners/Affiliations
