Office Policies

Ottumwa Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
Occassional Friday mornings
Patients are seen on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and occassional Friday morning

Oskaloosa Office Hours
Wednesdays 8:00-5:00
This office is closed from 12:00-1:00
Dr. Patritto is here on Wednesdays only

Appointment Scheduling

Patients are seen on an appointment basis only from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. We do see patients before and after school hours. However, certain longer procedures necessitate scheduling during school hours. We ask for your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

Tardy Appointments

  1. We appreciate your efforts to be on time for appointments. We resolve to be on time. If we are running behind it is because we are giving every patient our best effort to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment possible.
  2. Late arrivals may need to be rescheduled.

Broken (Failed) Appointments

  1. Twenty-four hours or more notice of an appointment change is greatly appreciated. The lack of notice in a reasonable time causes us to lose the opportunity to serve others.
  2. There will be a charge for excessive broken (failed) appointments.

Emergencies

If any problems develop, refer to the “Handling Orthodontic Emergencies” instruction sheet. Most orthodontic problems can easily be treated without an office visit. If problems persist, please give our office a call. The emergency number to our office is 641-777-2141. As a last resort, Dr. Patritto is listed in the Ottumwa phone book and is usually available. If in doubt and/or if you wish to be reassured, do not hesitate to call the office or the emergency number.

Sickness

  1. For the health and consideration of our doctor, staff and other patients, please do not come into the office if you are sick or under the care of a doctor. In other words, if your child does not go to school please call and reschedule their orthodontic appointment.
  2. We will give you the earliest appointment available in the event of cancellation due to illness.
  3. We reserve the right to reappoint patients at our discretion when we feel their illness may cause exposure to other patients in the open treatment areas.

OUR OFFICE POLICY REGARDING INSURANCE

Patients who are covered by Orthodontic Insurance should remember that professional services are rendered and charged to the patient and NOT to the Insurance Company. Even though an insurance claim is filed, you receive a statement if your account has a balance due. This office cannot accept responsibility for collecting your insurance claim or negotiating a settlement on a disputed claim. You are responsible for payment of your account every month. Also, there is never a guarantee of payment by an insurance company. Benefits are determined at the time the claim is received.

PAYMENT POLICY

As a patient of this office, you should understand that regular payments are due as provided in the Payment Agreement you have entered into. Should your account become at least three (3) months delinquent, your account will be turned over for collections and may result in termination of treatment.

OFFICE POLICY CONCERNING DIVORCE ISSUES

If the divorced parent of a minor presents the child for treatment and indicates that the other parent will be responsible for full or partial payment, the parent presenting the child shall be responsible for payment and may address reimbursement issues from the other parent on an individual basis.