Need Help?

Our Case Managers will work with you to answer any questions you may have. Ask to speak with a Case Manager at your local Palms office or call 352-463-4505.

How long will my referral take?

Routine (non-urgent) referrals are typically processed withing 5 days of your visit.  This involves coordinating care with your insurance plan to ensure we refer you to a specialist that accepts your insurance and that is in a location convenient for you to travel to. We will send you a text message or email once we process your referral.  This means that your records and insurance information have been sent to the specialist.  They will call you to schedule an appointment.  If you have not heard from them within 10 days, please call your Palms Case Manager at 352-463-4505. Urgent referrals are processed within 2 days of your visit.

I just need an x ray (imaging test). Do I need a referral?

Depending on the test, some of our imaging partners allow you to walk-in for testing and others require an authorization for approval from your insurance plan.  Once we process your referral, we will text/email you.  If you have questions, please contact your Palms Case Manger at 352-463-4505 after you receive your text/email.

How will my specialist be chosen?

The choice of specialist for your referral is a complex decision. In some cases, your provider may prefer a particular specialist for you. In many cases, the choice of specialist will be governed by your insurance. If a specialist is out-of-network for your insurance or does not accept your insurance, your out-of-pocket costs could be considerably higher. We will do our best to select a qualified specialist that accepts your insurance and is conveniently located.

How Does Insurance work with referrals?

Depending on the type of health insurance you have, you may not be able to go directly to a specialist when you think you need the services they offer. Depending on the service you need, prior authorization from your insurance plan may be necessary in addition to a referral from your primary care provider, which is Palms Medical Group.  We will request prior authorization as a part of the referral process.  As a general rule, you should double-check with your insurer and the specialist before you receive treatment, to be sure that prior authorization has been granted, if required.

What If I am using PMG’s Sliding Fee Program?

If you are one of our Sliding Fee Program participants, please know that this grant only applies to Palms Medical Group services, and you may be considered self-pay at a specialist’s office.  Some specialists may have a reduced rate for self-pay services.  We can also refer you to community programs to assist with mammograms and cervical services.

I recently had an imaging study/visit with a specialist. How quickly will my provider at Palms Medical Group receive my reports?

The time it will take for your provider to receive your reports will depend on the office that you visited. Some offices are able to provide reports very quickly, while others are not. In the case of imaging studies, it may take two weeks or more for a report to be received. If there is a troubling finding on an imaging study, your provider will be notified immediately.

Can your office provide me with copies of records from my specialist’s office?

Yes! Palms Medical Group creates and maintains your medical record in regards to your care and treatment. We also save any copies of reports that we receive from your specialists. There is a fee for copying health records. If you request a copy of your records, you will be charged $1.00 per page up to 25 pages. Thereafter, it will cost $0.25 per page in excess of 25 pages, payable before your records are released to you. You may also access your medical records via the Patient Portal.