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.
Knowing what to expect can help make your visit to go more smoothly.
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.
On the day of your office visit, please bring:
This will help us become familiar with your case and allow us to keep in touch with your doctor regarding your care.
Please allow ample time for your first office visit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If your illness requires you to miss work or become temporarily disabled, your physician office will assist you with completing your disability forms.
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.
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.
