Alpine Dermatology will bill most insurance companies as a courtesy to the patient.  Please contact your insurance carrier for coverage and benefit details.  In most situations we are considered in-network with the following companies and networks:

• Altius
• Blue Cross
• Blue Shield
• DMBA
• First Health Network
• Idaho Physicians Network
• Medicare
• Idaho Medicaid
• Tricare

Again, we cannot guarantee that we are considered in-network with your individual policy.  Please contact your insurance carrier’s customer service department to confirm if we are in-network before your visit. 

Let's face it – Health insurance is complex.  Blue Cross of Idaho wants to help make it easier.  That’s why they've created a top ten list.  The top ten list gives you basic information to help you get the most from your health insurance benefits.  The top ten are definitions of 10 need to know health insurance terms, like what a deductible is.

1.  Deductible. A set dollar amount you pay each benefit period (usually 12 months) for covered services before your health coverage begins paying benefits.  Deductibles are reset each year.

2.  Coinsurance. A percentage (for example 20 percent) of the allowed amount you pay for a healthcare covered service.  Coinsurance applies after the deductible has been met.

3.  Copayment. A fixed dollar amount (for example $20 or $30) you pay for specified covered services such as a doctor office visit.  A copayment applies each time the service is provided.

4.  Amount Charged vs. Amount Allowed. A provider can charge you any amount for a service, but a health plan may establish the maximum payment for a given covered service.  This amount is often less than the charged amount.  Contracting or in-network providers agree to accept the allowed amount (called the maximum allowance in your policy) as payment in full for covered service and, as a part of their contract, agree not to bill you the difference between the allowed amount and charged amount.

5.  In-Network vs. Out-of Network. Depending on your policy there may be a different benefit level when visiting in- and out-of-network providers.  When you visit providers out-of-network, you may have to pay significantly more for your healthcare service.

6.  Out-of-Pocket Maximum. A fixed dollar amount that is the most you will pay for deductibles and coinsurance for most covered services in the course of a benefit period.  Once the out-of-pocket maximum is met, most covered services are paid at 100 percent of the allowed amount.

7.  Generic Drug. Drugs with identical active ingredients as their corresponding brand-name drugs.  Generic drugs on average cost less than one-third of brand-name drugs but have the same therapeutic benefit.

8.  Formulary. A list of drugs covered under a health plan’s prescription drug plan.  Non-formulary drugs may be covered, but at a much higher cost to you.

9.  EOB. An explanation of benefits form (EOB) lists the services for which you or your provider sent claims for coverage.  These forms are not bills but explain the payment result for each service submitted.

10. Non-Covered Service.  A service or type of service that is specifically excluded from coverage in your policy.  Read your policy for a full list, but non-covered services often include those considered investigational or convenience items.

Note:  These definitions are for summary explanation only.  Please refer to your policy for specific definitions related to your benefits.