Western Michigan Urological Associates is a Holland Hospital Physician Office

We share a common mission to improve the health of our patients and community. Together, we offer a seamless, coordinated health care experience that delivers primary care, specialty care, urgent care, Emergency Room, lab, radiology and rehabilitation in the office, hospital or the comfort of your home.

Our medical group of more than 50 expert providers is dedicated to meeting your complete primary and specialty care needs with several convenient offices to serve you. You have the added benefit of knowing your care is backed by a nationally recognized health care leader and one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals­—the highest performing hospital in Michigan—and a Top 100 Hospital for 11 consecutive years.

Scheduling Appointments

Please call our office during regular office hours at 616.392.1816.

You do not need to be referred to our office by another physician. Self-referrals are always welcome. Western Michigan Urological Associates participates with most insurance carriers; however, you should confirm coverage and eligibility with your carrier prior to your first appointment.

Our staff and nurses are here to help and answer your questions. Phones are answered from 8:30am – noon and 1:00pm – 4:30pm. On occasion a phone call from a physician or nurse for a medical evaluation or symptom management might be requested by a patient. We do offer that service for your convenience however, there may be a charge incurred for this.

When you call for your appointment, our scheduler will ask you a few questions to better understand your needs. Our urology specialists are trained and experienced to handle all urology issues, but based on your needs and timing, our scheduler will set your appointment with the most appropriate specialist.

New Patients

Please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment with your completed new patient forms (see links below) if you have not already completed the forms.

As a convenience, the following patient forms are available for you to print out, complete and return prior to your appointment:

WMURO

Demographic
(149k pdf)

Medical History
(92k pdf)

Release of Info
(90k pdf)

Notice of Privacy
(38k pdf)

Rescheduling Appointments/No Shows

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call our office as soon as possible so that we may reschedule your visit. Please provide at least 24-hour notice. Patients that fail to show up for two visits will be charged a no-show fee and payment will be expected before another appointment is scheduled.

Returning Patients

You will be asked to provide photo ID and all insurance cards upon check in. Please inform our receptionist of any changes in your insurance coverage. In most cases you will also be asked to supply us with a urine specimen.

Records

For your protection, all patient’s records are held in strict confidence and will not be released from this office without a written and signed authorization.

Medical Record Release

We adhere to strict policies and procedures to protect your personal privacy and protected health information.

Insurance and Billing

We will be happy to discuss our fees in advance, so you’re aware of your financial responsibility. As a courtesy, we will bill insurance carriers for services. The responsibility for payments, however, remains solely with you, the patient. We accept cash, personal checks and major credit/debit cards.

We ask that all insurance co-pays be made at the time of services. We do participate with Medicare. For self-pay patients, we require payment at time of service.

If you have questions about charges or statements received from Western Michigan Urological Associates, PLC please call our billing department at (616) 394-3626 For questions about your specific insurance coverage, contact your carrier directly.

For Medicare and Medicaid Patients

Thank you for choosing Western Michigan Urological Associates for your health care needs. We want you to have the best care and patient experience, including understanding your bill.

As of March 1, 2016, Western Michigan Urological Associates changed to “Provider Based Billing.”

“Provider Based” refers to services provided in hospital outpatient departments that are clinically integrated into the hospital. The clinical integration allows for high quality and seamlessly coordinated care.

To help you understand your bill, here are some common questions that patients might ask.

What is Provider Based Billing?
Provider Based billing is a Medicare and Medicaid billing status. It refers to services provided in hospital outpatient departments that are clinically integrated into the hospital. It requires that we bill Medicare/Medicaid in two parts: one bill for the provider you see (your doctor), and another bill for the hospital/facility (staff, equipment and resources). The charges add up to the same amount that patients are charged for the same service.

How will Provider Based Billing affect my bills?
Patients may receive two (2) bills for services: One for the facility or hospital charge and one for the professional or physician fee. You will be able to see these charges on the patient statement you receive after the services have been provided.

Will I pay more for services with Provider Based Billing?
Some patients may pay more depending on the specific insurance coverage. We recommend patients review their insurance benefits or contact their insurance provider to determine what their policy will pay and what out-of-pocket expenses they may incur.
Most patients insured by a government program who also have supplemental insurance will likely not pay more out-of-pocket. If you do not have a supplement, you will likely pay some amount. Check with your insurance plan to see what will be covered.

What is different about billing for a hospital based outpatient clinic?
According to Medicare/Medicaid billing rules, when you see a physician in a private office setting, all services and expenses are bundled into a single charge. When you see a physician in a hospital-based outpatient location, the physician and clinic (facility) charges are billed separately. Your billing statement will break out your charges for each office visit or service. Part of the total is for the main person you see (your doctor). The rest is for the place (building, support staff, equipment and other resources). The charges will add up to the same amount a patient would be charged, but they are listed separately on your bill.

Why does Holland Hospital do “Provider Based” billing?
This is the standard billing practice for health care organizations where the hospital owns space and employs physicians who provide patient care. It also distinguishes facilities that function as departments of hospitals from those which are independent.

Does this affect Medicare/Medicaid patient co-pays or deductibles?
If you are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, you may see two (2) separate charges on your bill.
There will be one charge for the facility and a separate charge for professional or physician services.
Patients with Medicare insurance coverage may be billed two (2) co-insurance amounts depending specific insurance benefits. Patients with Medicaid insurance may pay two (2) co-pays.

Depending on specific insurance coverage, it is possible that some benefits may differ for these services and procedures. Some patients may have to pay a higher cost because a portion of the billed service is being charged as a hospital charge. The increase in cost is a result of the health plan’s co-insurance and deductible (not an increase in actual fees). Patients with a supplement plan are not likely to see much change.

Patients are advised to review their insurance benefits or contact their insurance provider to determine what their policy will cover and identify any out-of-pocket expenses.

Will appointments be different?
Your care will not change. You will continue to see your regular doctor and health care team and continue to receive excellent quality care. Scheduling appointments and tests will be handled as they have been in the past.

What if a Medicare patient has a secondary insurance?
Coinsurance and deductibles may be covered by a secondary insurance. Check your benefits or ask your insurance company for details.

Where can I call with billing questions?
Please contact the Western Michigan Urological Associates billing office at (616) 394-3626 if you have questions.

What can you do if you are having difficulty paying for health care services?
Please contact the Western Michigan Urological Associates billing office at (616) 394-3626 for financial assistance information.

Prescription Refills

If you require a refill between appointments, please call during regular office hours. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Provide your name and phone number, medication name, pharmacy name and phone number.
  • Please allow 24-48 hours to renew your prescription.
  • If you have not been seen in our office in the past year, we will not be able to refill your prescription over the phone. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
  • Medications will not be refilled evenings or weekends except in emergencies.

Test Results

We understand that patients are eager to hear the status of their labs, x-rays or other test results. We will contact you in person or by phone. If you have not heard from us within a week, please contact our office.