Your Visit to the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute

At the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, we strive to make every visit you have with us a positive one. Whether you're seeing a cardiologist for the first time, having an outpatient procedure, or preparing for surgery, we want you to be informed, prepared, and ready for your visit.

Please review the information below before your appointment or procedure. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.

Preparing for Your Visit to UPMC

Knowing what to expect can help make your visit to go more smoothly.

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor before my appointment?

If your insurance requires a referral, please call your primary care physician as soon as you have made your appointment with UPMC. If you do not get approval from your insurance carrier before your visit, your insurance company may not cover our services.

What should I bring to my appointment?

On the day of your office visit, please bring:

• Your health insurance card
• Previous test results, including the actual films
• A list of the medications you are taking
• Information about the doctor who referred you, including:
• Name
• Office address
• Phone and fax numbers

This will help us become familiar with your case and allow us to keep in touch with your doctor regarding your care.

How long will my first appointment take?

Please allow ample time for your first office visit.

• New patients will have to complete a general medical form, in addition to being examined.
• The amount of time the doctor spends with each patient will vary depending on the patient’s condition.
• We try to see our patients on time. However, emergencies sometimes occur, and some patients require extra time. For these reasons, occasionally there are delays in our schedule.
• When delays occur, we hope you understand. If you find it inconvenient to wait, we will be glad to reschedule your appointment.

Going to the Hospital

If you require surgery or another procedure and need to be hospitalized, the team at UPMC will arrange for your admission.

Our surgeons and doctors collectively have privileges to perform surgery and admit patients to several hospitals.

Preferred Hospitals

A number of insurance plans designate a preferred hospital.

When it's necessary for you to be hospitalized, we will make the best recommendation given your special needs.

Approval from your Insurance Carrier

Most insurance carriers now require patients to get approval before a hospital admission.

Please call your insurance carrier before you are admitted to the hospital. If you do not get approval from your insurance carrier before you are admitted, your insurance company may not cover the surgery, procedure, or other services.

Paying Your Bill: Insurance and Billing Information

Insurance reminders

• Before office visits: If your insurance requires a referral, please call your primary care physician as soon as you have made your appointment with our office.
• Before hospital admissions: Please call your insurance carrier before you are admitted to the hospital. Most insurance carriers now require patients to get approval before a hospital admission.

If you do not get approval from your insurance carrier before your office visit or hospital admission, the insurance company may not cover the services.

Disability claims and forms

If your illness requires you to miss work or become temporarily disabled, your physician office will assist you with completing your disability forms.

About your bill

University of Pittsburgh Physicians (UPP) participates in many insurance plans and will file a claim for all services covered under a plan.

On the day you come for an office visit, you will be asked to pay for services not covered by your insurance plan, including co-payments and deductibles. If we do not participate with your insurance plan, you will be expected to pay for the office services at the time of your visit.

We will also file claims related to hospitalizations and procedures. You will be responsible for any balance not covered by your insurance plan.

Additional fees for service

• You and your insurance company will receive separate bills for the office and hospital services you received.
• Bills will include charges for outpatient services and hospital charges.
• In addition, you will receive separate bills from the doctors who helped care for you.

Billing and payment questions

We are here to help with your billing questions and concerns. Please call UPMC Patient Financial Services Center or UPMC Customer Service or visit our Paying My Bill site to learn more about the services we offer, such as payment plans, price estimates, and Financial Assistance.

• UPMC Patient Financial Services Center: 1-800-371-8359
• UPMC Customer Service: 1-844-591-5949