Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I be seen?
New patients can generally be seen within a couple of weeks.
How soon can I be scheduled for surgery?
If you are coming because you are interested in some of
the procedures that Dr. Hendricks has to offer, then a formal consultation
is required first. Once the consultation is complete, including
any possible additional lab or imaging tests that may be required,
then surgery can generally be scheduled within a month's time.
Which insurance plans do you take?
Dr. Hendricks is only contracted with Medicare, Great West, and
Partnership health plan for now. Contracts with other insurance companies
will be negotiated in the next few months. Patients with other insurances
will need to pay up front for consultation and the office will bill your
insurance as a courtesy. Once payment comes in from insurance, the
money will be sent back to you.
Procedural charges from Dr. Hendricks are generally covered by other insurances
at a non-contracted rate, so there are minimal out-of-pocket charges.
How much is this going to cost?
Please call our office and speak to the billing department so that
you can get the cost of the procedure that is of interest to you. Again,
most insurances cover the majority of the costs, so that it is unlikely you
would have much out-of-pocket expense. Office charges are also
separate from those of the hospital, so it is recommended that you contact
the Queen of the Valley's
billing department about their charges and what is covered by your insurance.
Do you take payment plans?
No, we do not.
Does your office make arrangements for accomodations if we are from
out of the area?
Our office does not provide this service. This website has
a comprehensive listing of places to stay in the area, and we encourage you
to browse there to find something you like.
What should I bring to the appointment?
There are some standard office forms that you will need to fill
out which can be faxed to you so you do not have to spend time filling them
out in the office on the
day of your appointment. Other vital records you should bring
include:
1) A complete list of all medications you take, including doses.
2) Complete records from your urologist, including:
a) Consultation and progress notes.
b) Laboratory results
c) Imaging reports. If you are considering
kidney cryoablation or laparoscopic surgery, then actual copies of
the images (CT, MRI, or Ultrasound) need to be brought, so that Dr. Hendricks
can review the films to see if cryoablation or other laparoscopic surgery is
a viable option. Any other imaging tests, such as bone scans, chest xrays,
CT scans, or such that have been done to rule out metastatic disease should
be included.
d) Pathology reports. If any biopsy has
been done, then the results of that biopsy will need to be reviewed
by Dr. Hendricks. In some cases a review by another pathologist may be
requested.
e) Prostate Ultrasound results, reported by your
urologist, including the
measured dimensions of the prostate.
3) If you have any significant cardiac risk or other medical co-morbidities
that may imply significant risk for anesthesia, then records
or a medical clearance note from your primary care doctor or cardiologist may
be required prior to having a procedure done.
If any of these records are not available upon consultation with Dr. Hendricks,
there will be a delay in scheduling any type of therapy until those results
are available.
Once you do visit Napa Valley Urology, be assured that you will be seen in
a very comfortable, courteous environment where your best interests will always
be of primary concern. The office takes pride in providing the best possible
care available for all urological patients.
Copyright 2006 Napa Valley Urology Associates
