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Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to any appointment-related question not listed here, contact us. For more information on specific types of treatments, visit our Treatment Services page in the Resources section of this website.
On your initial visit to Radiation Oncology Associates, you will meet with one of our Radiation Oncologists to discuss your medical history and undergo a physical exam. This is a good time to talk with your physician about any questions or concerns that you have regarding your upcoming treatments. Most often, treatment services are not administered until the third appointment.
You may download your registration paperwork from this website and fill it out prior to your visit, although this is NOT required, many patients find it convenient to fill out the forms in advance.
Before your first appointment, you should arrive 15 minutes early to fill out your registration forms if you haven't already done so using the downloadable forms on this website. For all other appointments, please arrive between 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
After your initial consult with the radiation oncologist, you will be scheduled for the treatment planning process. This involves taking images of the tumor area, marking and simulating the appropriate setup for treatment. A simulation procedure is scheduled to gather the data and information needed for the physician and his team to work up the appropriate treatment plan for your particular diagnosis. The length of time for this process depends on your specific diagnosis and how soon you need to start treatment. Generally the simulation and treatment planning process takes 3-5 working days. Once the best treatment plan is approved by your radiation oncologist, you will start your daily treatment.
Although the radiation treatments themselves are only a few minutes long, your appointment will take between 20-25 minutes.
Sometimes, check with your physician prior to your appointment.
You may eat and drink prior to your FIRST appointment, your physician will give you further dietary instructions based on your specific course of treatment.
First bill - You will receive a bill from ROA.
You will receive a bill for care and treatment rendered by your Radiation Oncology Associates physicians and staff.
You will receive a bill for care and treatment rendered by your Radiation Oncology Associates physicians and staff.
Second bill - You may also receive a facility bill.
If your treatment is at a location other than our Jefferson office, you will receive a bill from your ROA physician and staff and a second bill from the hospital or clinic where treatment is administered. This bill is for the use of their facility and equipment. This is a separate fee paid to them.
If your treatment is at a location other than our Jefferson office, you will receive a bill from your ROA physician and staff and a second bill from the hospital or clinic where treatment is administered. This bill is for the use of their facility and equipment. This is a separate fee paid to them.
Appropriate payment of your services is dependent on proper authorization or referral. If your plan requires referrals for services provided by a specialist, please contact your primary care physician to obtain the needed authorization or referral.
If you do not have a referral or authorization upon arrival in our office, we have a telephone available for you to call. If you are unable to obtain the referral or authorization at that time, you may have to reschedule your appointment.
Radiation Oncology Associates, P.C. Contracted Managed Care Plans:
- Advantage Preferred Plus (TRMA)
- Anthem IN BCBS- Trad, BP, BA, GM
- Auto Acct/Chrysler, Ford
- Encircle (PKVHS)
- Encore (PKVHS)
- FrontPath Health Coalition (PKVHS)
- Goshen Preferred (PKVHS)
- IHN (Indiana Health Network)
- Indiana Medicaid
- Harmony (Managed Care Medicaid)
- MHS (Managed Care Medicaid)
- Indiana Medicare
- Lutheran Preferred
- Michigan Medicaid M-Plan (TRMA)
- M-Plan (PKVHS)
- NPPN
- Ohio Medicaid
- Physicians Health Plan
- PIC (Parkview Integrated Care)PKVHS
- RR Medicare
- Sagamore
- Signature Care (PKVHS)
- Three Rivers Preferred (+) (TRMA)
- TriCare/Champus (Standard Provider)
Patients often assume that their insurance carrier will pay the entire bill. Usually your carrier will only pay a portion of the bill. It is important that you know that you are responsible for payment regardless of insurance, litigation, or other circumstances.
You should familiarize yourself with the specifics of your insurance coverage, particularly the limitations of your coverage. In this brochure we list the insurance plans that we contract with and their terms. Your policyholder card has a phone number where you can get additional information about your coverage.
If you do not have health insurance coverage, we can work out a payment schedule with you. Please ask to speak to a financial advisor or if treatment will create a financial hardship – contact your county department of human services to apply for assistance.
