Video Visits

If you have a video visit already scheduled, please use the link below to begin your visit. Once you are in the Doximity site, please enter the name of the patient ONLY. Dr. Wood will join you in the visit as soon as he is ready.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR VIDEO VISIT

Video Visit Policy - effective July 1, 2025

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have postponed the termination of telehealth coverage policies, previously reported to end on March 31st, until September 30th of this year. Therefore, MI PEDS will be reintroducing these visits effective July 1, on a limited basis, and for patients who meet certain criteria. However, the situation can change at any time. In addition, any insurance company can decide to stop paying for these visits at any time. Please read the full policy as set forth below.

Purpose:

This policy outlines the eligibility criteria for patients seeking video visits (telemedicine services) with Michigan Pediatric Endocrine & Diabetes Services. This policy also clarifies patient financial responsibility for these visits.

Eligibility Criteria:

Distance: The patient's current residence is located at a driving distance of two or more hours from our office, according to a recognized mapping service.
Physical Location: The patient must be physically located within the State of Michigan at the time, and for the full duration of the visit.
Established Patient Relationship: The patient must have an established patient relationship with Dr. Wood.
Clinical Appropriateness: The video visit must be deemed clinically appropriate for the patient's condition by Dr. Wood. In-person visits remain the preferred method of service delivery whenever possible and clinically indicated.
Frequency: The patient must be seen in-person no less than once every six months. (For example, patients whose clinical indication requires visits every three months should be seen in person every six months, alternating with a video visit every six months. Patients who are only seen once or twice each year would not be eligible for video visits.)
Technology Requirements: The patient must have access to a secure, HIPAA-compliant interactive audio and/or video telecommunications system that permits real-time communication with the provider. This includes reliable internet access and a suitable device (e.g., computer, smartphone, tablet) with a camera and microphone.
Informed Consent: Scheduling a video visit presumes the patient (or his parent/legal guardian) provides appropriate informed consent for the video visit, including acknowledgement of the potential benefits and limitations of telemedicine, as well as the financial terms outlined in this policy.
Patient will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of this policy, including eligibilty criteria and financial responsibility, prior to scheduling a video visit.

Any exceptions to the eligibility requirements as outlined above are at the sole discretion of Dr. Wood.

Patient Financial Responsibility:

Insurance Coverage: Our office will exercise due diligence in determining insurance coverage for video visits before the appointment is scheduled. However, while coverage information may be available, insurance policies vary, can change without notice, and reimbursement from the insurance carrier isn't never guaranteed until a claim is submitted. Unpaid claims are always the responsibility of the patient or the guarantor.
Patient Responsibility for Uncovered Services: If the insurance provider does not cover the video visit, or if a balance remains after insurance payment (e.g., copay, deductible, coinsurance), the patient will be responsible for the cost. Disputes regarding unpaid claims or balances due must be handled between the insured and the insurance company after payment is made to our office.
Credit Card on File: By scheduling a video visit, you authorize our office to charge the credit card on file for any balance not covered by insurance. If the credit card charge fails to go through for any reason, there will be an additional administrative fee of $25, and the full amount then due must be paid in full within 5 days after notification. No future appointments, either virtual or in person will be held until the balance is satisfied..
Payment at Time of Service: Patients will be required to pay any estimated financial responsibility (co-pays, coinsurance, and/or deductible) prior to or at the time of the video visit. Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to confirm telehealth benefits and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Procedure:

Patients interested in scheduling a video visit should contact MI PEDS to request eligibility screening.
Staff will verify eligiility based on the criteria listed above.
Eligible patients will have their video visit scheduled and will be given instructions including what to do prior to the visit, how to initiate the visit, and how to access the telemedicine platform.
If insurance does not cover tyhe visit, the patient will be informed of the estimated cost and verbal confirmation allowing the credit card on file to be charged will be obtained.

DISCLAIMER:

This policy can change based on updates to federal and state laws, as well as changes to insurance company policies. Patients are encouraged to stay informed about their insurance coverage and to contact our office if you have any questions.