COVID-19 Telemedicine Information
We will be using Zoom, an online HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing system. For patients who prefer to use a cellphone, please download and install the Zoom app. If you prefer to use a computer, it should have a built in or external web-cam, and you can access Zoom online through their website.
Your appointment will be reconfirmed by the office staff at least the day prior to the scheduled visit. At the approximate time of your appointment you will receive a call from our healthcare provider—it will appear “blocked” on caller ID to preserve privacy. Please note that although we will make every effort to stay on schedule, just as with our normal in-office appointments, we may fall behind and you may be contacted later than your scheduled appointment time.
After you answer, you will be given the Zoom meeting number. Tap or select “Join Meeting” and enter the meeting number to start the visit. You and your healthcare provider will then be able to speak confidentially face-to-face over video. If you are encountering technical difficulty, please call the office at 757-461-3141.
The visit will be conducted as usual, and prescriptions—if needed—will be sent electronically to the pharmacy. After the visit is complete, you will receive a phone call from office staff to schedule your next appointment.
Q: What type of illnesses does the practice treat?
A: This is a practice dedicated to treating the broad range of neurological disorders including those that produce chronic pain.
Q: How may I get seen by the practice?
A: Patients are seen by referral only, accompanied by outside medical records.
Q: I'm a new patient. What do I need to do before my first visit?
A: The office will send a new patient package to get you started. Please send a request by either e-mail or by phone.
Patients need to come to the office with their pre-appointment paper work completed, or early enough to fill out the forms while waiting. If a patient is not ready by the time of the appointment, it may be necessary to reschedule the visit.
Q: What do I need to do before I schedule an appointment?
A: An appointment for an initial visit will be made only after outside records and the completed new patient package are received and after insurance is verified.
Q: What types of insurance does the practice accept?
A: We accept most insurance policies, but please email or call to verify that your policy is covered. However, certain insurances are not accepted, such as Medicaid and many HMO products. We are not currently in network with the Humana Medicare replacement plan; however, we still see Humana Patients but on an “out-of-network” basis.
The insurance landscape is changing rapidly. We strongly encourage patients to check with their particular carrier to confirm that we participate with their plan. If we are non-participating (“out of network”) the patient can be seen but will incur higher costs (less coverage by the carrier).
Q: Is Medicare accepted?
Medicare is accepted as long as the patient is enrolled in the concierge program.
Q: What kinds of medicines do you prescribe?
We use a wide array of pain management medications and techniques; however, please note that patients who require chronic opioid management must be enrolled in the concierge program.
Q: What is the concierge program?
Managing complex neurological disorders, especially treating severe chronic pain with maintenance opioid therapy, is difficult and time consuming. In the case of the latter, because of intense government agency scrutiny, regulatory requirements and mandated compliance practices, given typical reimbursement methods, it is not possible for a small practice to provide the needed quality of care.
For this reason, patients who are being treated with chronic opioid therapy and/or Medicare patients, need to participate with the practice on a concierge basis. Those who are in this program will have a dedicated patient care coordinator, expedited e-mail access, longer time allotments for follow up appointments, and enhanced scheduling access.
The fee for this is commensurate with what is typically charged for primary care concierge service, $1500 annually. Arrangements can be made to pay semi-annually or monthly.
Q: What are your wait times like?
We strive to stay on time, but there are situations, such as unexpected patient problems and situations, that derail this. In every office visit, each patient is given the time and attention that is needed, so if there has been a major change in a clinical problem, please contact the office in advance so that additional time is allotted.
Robert B. Hansen, M.D.
Neurological Disorders
Leigh Professional Building
Suite 303
6275 East Virginia Beach Boulevard
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
Phone: 757-461-3141
Fax: 757-461-1658
E-mail: office@robertbhansenmd.com