Terms of Service

By scheduling an appointment, receiving medical services, or using any website, patient portal, or telehealth services provided by Alaska Orthopedic Specialist (AOS), Patients (Patient, Guarantor, Guardian, or other Responsible Party) agree to these Terms of Service. AOS may revise these Terms at any time. Continued use of services after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. Consent to Terms can be revoked in writing except to the extent that AOS has already acted upon prior consent.

Scope of Medical Services

Medical services are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with Alaska law and applicable standards of care. Medical outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Educational materials, website content, and electronic communications are not a substitute for in-person evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

Patient Responsibilities

• Provide complete and accurate medical, demographic, and insurance information and notify AOS if any of the aforementioned changes.
• Participate in treatment decisions and follow agreed-upon care plans.
• Treat providers, staff, and other patients respectfully.
• By Alaska Law (AS 25.20.025 (2012)) children under the age of 18 cannot receive medical treatment (except as prohibited under AS 18.15.010 (a)(3)) without consent from a legal guardian. Legal guardians must accompany minor Patients for all services provided by AOS. Minors aged 16-17 may be seen with prior written consent signed by provider, management, and legal guardian. This form is requested directly from a representative in person, by calling/texting our main number (907)771-3500, or emailing registration@akortho.com.

AOS may terminate the provider-patient relationship for reasons including but not limited to non-payment, repeated missed appointments, non-compliance with treatment, or disruptive behavior. Reasonable notice will be provided either verbally or in writing by a representative of AOS.

Appointments, Cancellations, and No-Shows

• Appointments must be canceled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice.
• Requests can be made via text response to our automated SMS system, contact our main number (907)771-3500 or email registration@akortho.com.
• Missed appointments or late cancellations may result in a fee of $50.

Privacy and Confidentiality (HIPAA)

• Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) are available on our website www.akortho.com, requested directly from a representative in person, by calling/texting our main number (907)771-3500, or emailing registration@akortho.com.
• Alaska Orthopedic Specialists may use and disclose protected health information to carry out treatment including but not limited to coordination & continuity of care, payment collections and other healthcare operations discussed in the NPP.

Financial Policy

• Patients with Insurance
  • Insurance billing is provided as a courtesy; patients remain responsible for all charges until a claim is paid fully according to carrier contracts.
  • It is the Patient’s responsibility to provide correct and complete insurance information for billing purposes.
  • It is the Patient’s responsibility to contact the insurance company for verification of benefits and respond to all carrier requests for information.
  • Payment according to insurance benefits or participation in government sponsored programs including copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance are due at the time of service. Deposits for estimated patient responsibility for surgery, procedures and other services may be collected in advance.
• For Auto Injuries or other third-party liability claims
  • Payment in full is due at time of service. If payment is received subsequently from an employer, attorney, other insurer, etc. the Patient overpayment will be handled following our refund policies.
  • Treatment decisions remain based on medical necessity, not legal outcomes.
• Fees for services not covered by insurance (printed document requests, completion of legal forms, repetitive requests, work comp forms, missed appointments, etc.) are the responsibility of the patient.
• Failure to pay accounts in a timely manner or participate successfully in a payment plan will result in the balance transferred to a collections agency. This action may impact credit ratings.
• Patients must authorize Alaska Orthopedic Specialists to release any medical information requested by designated insurance carriers to obtain payment for the services rendered and assign to Alaska Orthopedic Specialists payment for medical services rendered to the patient.
• Refunds for overpayments will be processed and released when all claims are paid in full and the Patient has been released from care.

Telehealth Services

• Telehealth services may be offered in compliance with Alaska Statutes, Alaska Board of Medicine regulations and Insurance Carrier limitations. By using telehealth services, Patients acknowledge to the following:
  • Protected Health Information may be transmitted, viewed, or recorded as part of the service in accordance with our NPP.
  • Telehealth has limitations compared to in-person visits.
  • Technical failures may interrupt care.
  • Patients may withdraw consent to telehealth at any time simply by not participating or scheduling telemedicine appointments.

Communication

Communications may include phone calls, email, mail, text messaging, or patient portal messaging.

• SMS Terms
  • The collection and use of mobile numbers are governed by our NPP
  • These are secured transactional messages that may include, but are not limited to, appointment reminders, billing notifications, and updates about care.
  • Phone numbers will not be sold or shared with third parties, beyond trusted service providers acting on our behalf.
  • Participation in SMS communication is voluntary and patients may opt-out at anytime by following the instructions contained in the communication.
  • Message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to/from patients and AOS. Wireless carriers can provide further details. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Message frequency may vary.
  • Response times are not guaranteed outside normal business hours.
  • A separate signed authorization is required to receive SMS messages.
• AOS may call home, cell phone or other designated locations to leave a message on voicemail or with people in reference to items that may assist AOS with providing healthcare.
• AOS may mail or email designated locations documents related to care including billing correspondence and other necessary communications that may assist in healthcare.
• Voluntary enrollment is available for our Patient Portal. The Patient Portal provides access to profile PHI, account status, scheduling and more. For more information contact our office by calling/texting (907)771-3500 or email registration@akortho.com.

Limitation of Liability & Governing Law

To the fullest extent permitted by Alaska law, AOS is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of services, telehealth platforms, website, or social media content. These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Alaska. Any legal action shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of Alaska.