FAQ
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BILLING/PAYMENT
CONTACTING THE OFFICE
EXPECTATIONS OF FIRST VISIT
INSURANCE-RELATED QUESTIONS
LOCATIONS OF PRACTICE/CONTACT INFORMATION/OFFICE HOURS
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
REFERRAL-RELATED QUESTIONS
SPECIALTY QUESTIONS
SPECIALTY QUESTIONS
1. What is rheumatology?
Rheumatology is a subspecialty practice of internal medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of systemic autoimmune diseases. This is a group of diseases in which a person’s immune system attacks the person’s own body and causes inflammation. Almost any organ can be involved. Many of these diseases can cause inflammation of the joints, or arthritis.
The field of rheumatology also involves the treatment of common conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, trigger finger, bursitis, and gout.
2. What is a rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is an internist who received further training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. A rheumatologist also treats immune-related diseases.
3. Is Dr. Ambrocio board certified?
Yes. He is a board-certified rheumatologist and is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology.
INSURANCE-RELATED QUESTIONS
1. What insurance does Dr. Ambrocio participate with?
Dr. Ambrocio accepts most Medicare plans and almost all PPO plans, including:
- HMA
- HMSA
- HMAA
- University Health Alliance (UHA)
- Hawaii Laborers Health and Welfare Trust Fund
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Deseret Mutual
- United Healthcare Commercial PPO
If your insurance is not listed above, you are welcome to call to verify participation.
2. Can I still see Dr. Ambrocio if I have an HMO plan?
Yes, but you will require a referral from your primary care physician. In some cases, the referral needs to be approved by your insurance carrier. The written request needs to be received by our office before an appointment can be scheduled. Please check with your primary care physician and insurance company.
3. Does Dr. Ambrocio accept Worker’s Compensation or No-Fault cases?
No. Dr. Ambrocio does not participate with these programs.
REFERRALS
1. What is a referral?
This is a written request from your primary care physician documenting the reason for evaluation and treatment. It can be limited or broad in scope.
2. If I have a PPO plan, do I have to obtain a referral from my primary care physician?
Yes. It is office policy that a referral is required from a referring physician which in many cases may be your primary physician.
3. If I have an HMO plan, do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
Yes. You are required to have it sent to our office before an appointment can be scheduled.
4. If I have Medicare, do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
It is office policy that a referral is required from a referring physician which in many cases may be your primary physician.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
1. Is Dr. Ambrocio accepting new patients?
Yes.
2. How do I make a new patient appointment?
Once we receive your referral and it is reviewed and accepted by the doctor, we will notify you to schedule an appointment.
3. Is there anything else that I need to do before the first appointment?
Yes. Please have your primary care physician or referring provider send us pertinent office visit notes and results of diagnostic laboratory and/or imaging tests. If you have actual copies of your imaging studies, please bring them with you to your appointment. You have the option of downloading the intake forms, filling them out, and bringing them with you at your first visit.
PRACTICE LOCATION, CONTACT INFORMATION, OFFICE HOURS
1. Where is your office located?
Dr. Ambrocio has two offices; his primary office is in Honolulu at the Waterfront Plaza. His west office is in Waipahu.
2. What is the east office address?
Waterfront Plaza
500 Ala Moana Blvd.
Tower 5, Suite 300
Honolulu, HI 96813
3. What is the west office address?
94-216 Farrington Hwy # B2-208
Waipahu, HI 96797
4. What is your phone number?
For both offices, the phone number is 808-531-7111.
5. Is there parking available at both locations?
Yes.
Waterfront Plaza: Parking is available at a partially discounted rate with validation.
West Office: Parking is free.
6. Can I be seen at one location for one visit then at the other if my circumstances change?
Yes; however, please note that all initial visits will occur at the Honolulu office and follow-up visits can be scheduled at the west office if this is more convenient.
7. Where does Dr. Ambrocio have hospital privileges?
Dr. Ambrocio may be asked to see you in the hospital if you are ever hospitalized. He has privileges only at Queen’s Medical Center at Punchbowl in Honolulu.
8. What are your office hours at the East office?
East Office Hours:
Monday
800a-1230p & 130p-500p
Tuesday & Thursday
800a-1230p & 130p-500p
Wednesday
800a-1100a
Friday
800a-1230p
Lunch hour closed
1230p-130p
Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays
CLOSED
9. What are your office hours at the West office?
The west office is open Wednesday afternoons from 100p-500p.
EXPECTATIONS OF FIRST VISIT
1. What time should I come for my first visit?
You are required to come at least 30 minutes before your scheduled visit to fill out paperwork so Dr. Ambrocio can see you in a timely manner.
2. What do I need to bring with me?
You need to bring a government-issued ID, insurance card, list of allergies, and list of medications, including the dose and frequencies of each. Please also bring pertinent medical records. You can also download the intake forms and bring the completed forms with you at your first visit.
3. Will I need to do further laboratory and imaging studies after my visit?
Usually, after seeing a specialist, other more specialized tests may be deemed clinically necessary. This includes blood and urine tests and imaging studies such as x-rays. Other types of imaging studies are usually scheduled for another day.
4. Will I have a follow-up visit?
After your initial evaluation, Dr. Ambrocio will see you at a follow-up visit usually within two to four weeks to discuss the results of your studies and to monitor your response to treatment. Expect to discuss results in person rather than by phone unless the results require immediate attention.
7. Do you collect my copayment at the end of a visit?
Yes. We expect to collect the estimated copay at the time of service. For your convenience, we accept cash, check or major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover’s).
BILLING/PAYMENT
1. What if I have a billing question or concern?
We have a billing specialist who you should direct all billing-related questions and concerns to. You can call the office to get her contact information.
2. Where do I send my check if I need to make a payment towards my account?
You can mail your check to:
Deryll U. Ambrocio, M.D., Inc.
Waterfront Plaza
500 Ala Moana Blvd.
Tower 5, Suite 300
Honolulu, HI 96813
Please include your name and account number on the check.
