In about 90 percent of cases, the operation on your hand is done at our modern, state-of-the-art, certified Hand Surgery Center. Major procedures requiring overnight stays are usually done in a hospital.
Hand surgery is usually performed under axillary block (regional) anesthesia which numbs the entire arm. Occasionally general anesthesia is required. There is no pain during surgery. Post-operative pain can be minimized by elevating the arm and by medication.
Your surgeon will advise you on the proper schedule for returning to your regular routine and to more strenuous activities. This varies depending on the procedure done. Some patients are referred to therapy for a variable period of time after surgery. Most patients are back to their regular routine after about three to four weeks following less complicated procedures.
Just as in any surgical procedure, an element of risk exists. Your surgeon will explain these to you and you will have a chance to ask questions. Complications can be minimized by closely following the surgeon's advice both before and after surgery.
Fees and operative facility costs vary. The extent and complexity of the surgery also affect the final cost.
Hand surgery is usually a covered medical benefit. Insurance policies may vary in their coverage, but the surgeon's fee and other costs are partially or even fully paid.
Tampa Bay Hand Center is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
We prefer to see patients by appointment. However, in the case of an emergency, please call us and we will try to work you in between appointments.
We make every effort to maintain appointment schedules. However, if the doctor's surgical schedule forces a delay, we can will do our best to reschedule the appointment at your earliest convenience.
Please call to cancel your appointment if you are unable to keep it so we are able to see other patients during that time.
Prior to surgery, you may request a written estimate of charges, which will be provided within 7 business days of the request. The estimate may include any coinsurance Tampa Bay Hand Surgery Center (TBHSC) anticipates you will be responsible for. However, you should contact your insurance provider regarding anticipated cost sharing responsibilities. The estimate is based on the information available to TBHSC at the time surgery is scheduled. TBHSC relies on information provided by you regarding insurance coverage, and on information provided by the surgeon regarding CPT codes related to procedure fees. Service bundle pricing is a non-personalized estimate of costs that may be incurred by you. TBHSC makes every effort to personalize the requested estimate, as the actual costs will be based on services actually provided to you. However, there may be additional charges, should the surgeon perform a procedure that is different from, or in addition to, what was scheduled. Therefore, the actual cost may exceed the estimate. You should be aware that you may pay less for these anticipated services elsewhere. For more information: https://pricing.floridahealthfinder.gov
The estimate does not include the fees for the surgeon’s services, anesthesiology, pathology, or possible implants, and you may receive a separate bill from these providers. It is your responsibility to contact these providers prior to surgery regarding a personalized estimate, billing practices, and participation with your insurance company, as they may not participate in the same insurance networks as TBHSC.
Quest Diagnostics
4225 E. Fowler Ave.
Tampa Flor 33617
(813) 872-7100
Tampa Bay Hand Center, P.A.
13905 Bruce B. Downs Blvd
Suite B
Tampa, FL 33613
(813) 978-9494
Implantable Provider Group
11605 Haynes Bridge Road
Suite 200
Alpharatta, GA 30009
(770) 753-0046
Your insurance policy is an agreement between you and the insurance company. TBHSC’s relationship is with you, not your insurance company. Therefore, all charges are ultimately your responsibility. If your insurance company requires a referral/authorization for treatment, TBHSC will facilitate this process. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to provide this to TBHSC prior to surgery.
If TBHSC is a participating provider with your insurance carrier, TBHSC will file an insurance claim on your behalf. However, you are responsible for all coinsurance (e. g. co-pay, deductible) and TBHSC does require that 100% of this be paid prior to surgery. Your insurance benefits will be verified prior to surgery. Surgery must be preauthorized and approved by the insurance carrier prior to the date of surgery.
If TBHSC is not a participating provider for your insurance carrier, TBHSC may file the insurance claim as a courtesy. However, full payment will be due from you prior to surgery. If the insurance company pays TBHSC after you have paid, TBHSC will reimburse you for your payment, minus any portion that is deemed your responsibility by the insurance company. Your insurance benefits will be verified prior to surgery. If the insurance company has not paid your account in full within 45 days from the date of billing, the balance will automatically be transferred to your responsibility.
If your care is covered by a motor vehicle accident or workers’ compensation insurance, TBHSC will file the claim on your behalf. However, if the claim is disputed or the benefits are exhausted, you will be responsible for all charges.
TBHSC offers financing through Care Credit. TBHSC does not offer discounts or payment plans. You will receive a statement for any balance due after the insurance company has processed the claim. This balance is due within 30 days of receiving the statement. If timely payment is not made for this balance, the account will be turned over to collections.
Please direct any questions and/or concerns regarding our facility fees, financial policy, or billing procedures to our billing department at 813-978-9494.
13905 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Suite B · Tampa, FL · 33613
Phone (813) 978-9494 • Fax (813) 979-4817
Email contact@tampabayhand.com