Ethics in Medical Practice

Dr. Hughes’ goal is to practice evidence-based dermatology and to enjoy it along the way! Dr. Hughes provides direct hands-on care; there are no physician’s assistants or nurse practitioners seeing you.

Dr. Hughes supports and promote the ethical standards of the American Medical Association and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery including that “physicians should practice a method of healing founded upon a scientific basis.” To avoid a conflict of interest, I do not sell products in my office.

Insurance Coverage & Payment Options

Insurance

Dr. Hughes is a private fee-for-service doctor, offering personalized timely care. Payment is expected at the time of your visit, although a payment schedule may be arranged. Following your direct dermatologic care by him, Dr. Hughes will provide a completed insurance form, and it is your responsibility to collect benefits from your insurance carrier. We try to charge “usual and customary” fees and will help you with insurance reimbursement. As an “out of network provider” usually a percentage of your medical expense will be reimbursed by your insurance carrier. Dr. Hughes offers true “private practice” service, working for the patient, not the insurance company. There is one fee schedule; uninsured patients are charged the same as patients with insurance.

Medicare

Dr. Hughes welcomes all new Medicare patients for skin cancer, medical or cosmetic indications but does not accept “assignment.” This means payment is expected at the time of the visit, although a payment schedule may be arranged. Then we complete all the paperwork and send it to Medicare. They will reimburse you approximately 80%, minus the annual $100 deductible.

(Some dermatology procedures are considered “cosmetic” by Medicare and are not reimbursed.)

Medicaid

Dr. Hughes no longer participates in Medicaid.

HMO’s & PPO’s

Dr. Hughes is not a “contractor” in any insurance plan. Payment is expected at the time of the visit, although a payment schedule can be arranged. Dr. Hughes is an “out of network provider” (Dr. Hughes works for the patient, not the insurance company, and offers true “private practice” care.) and usually a percentage of the approved charge will be reimbursed to you via these plans. Dr. Hughes will provide a completed insurance form and do everything to help you with reimbursement.