- Our Practice
- Services
- Physicians & P.A.s
- Physicians
- Mark R. Phillips, M.D.
- James W. Maxey, M.D.
- Brian Ted Maurer, M.D.
- Jeffery R. Garst, M.D.
- Stephen R. Orlevitch, M.D.
- Steven K. Below, M.D.
- Piero Capecci, M.D.
- Jason M. Anane-Sefah, M.D.
- Richard P. Driessnack, M.D.
- Michael E. Billhymer, M.D.
- MaryElizabeth T. Rashid, M.D.
- Clark B. Rians, M.D.
- Ryan T. Robinson, M.D.
- Physician Assistants
- Kevin Snow, PA-C
- Marc Roman, PA-C
- Jennica M. Finchum, PA-C
- Keirstin Mott, PA-C
- Jenell L. Eddins, PA-C
- R. Todd Kerr, PA-C
- Patient Info
- Resources
Physicians
Physician Assistants
P. 309.676.5546 F. 309.676.5045
FAQs
We are always happy to answer any question you may have. We have provided answers to many of the most commonly-asked questions here. They are grouped by categories for your convenience. Please click on a category to view the questions and answers.
Appointments / Clinical Services
Do I need a referral to make my appointment?
It depends on your insurance. Please check with your insurance company for referral information regarding your coverage. If you are a member of an HMO, you will need a referral authorization from your primary care physician. Please contact your primary care physician to ensure the referral is in place prior to your appointment. If you are unable to obtain the referral, you may be rescheduled or asked to pay the charges for the visit. All Public Aid patients must be from the Tri-county area and referred from your primary care physician.
What can I expect on my first appointment?
On the day of your appointment, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Please bring any completed paperwork you may have received or downloaded from our website. Upon arrival, you will check in at the front desk and have your picture ID and insurance cards scanned. Parents of minor children will also have their picture ID scanned. Initial clinical visits include a thorough review of your Medical History Form which you have completed. Your physician will evaluate your current physical condition and review any test results you have brought with you or we have obtained at Great Plains Orthopaedics. Your physician will diagnose and discuss a course of treatment that is appropriate for your condition.
I’ve been seen at Great Plains before. Why do I have to fill out the Medical History Form again?
As a patient’s health can change quickly, the physicians have established a protocol that requires each patient’s history to be updated every six months or for a new orthopaedic condition.
Should I get an X-ray before my appointment?
No, it is not required. Your physician will determine if an X-ray is necessary during your appointment. Our Great Plains facilities are equipped to address your needs.
Do I need to bring my X-rays or any test results?
If you had X-rays or an MRI at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Methodist Medical Center of Illinois or Proctor Hospital, we can access those results online. If they were performed at another facility, you will need to bring them with you including the written report. If additional tests have been performed that are related to your orthopaedic condition, please bring those reports to your scheduled appointment.
I had X-rays taken at another facility and I brought them with me, so why do I need more X-rays?
Occasionally the X-rays taken at another facility do not provide the view that your physician needs to determine the best plan of care for your orthopaedic condition.
When is my work status determined?
Your work status is determined by your physician during your scheduled office visit. If work status documentation is required, you must obtain it during your office visit.
What is fracture care?
Fracture care covers the treatment of a fracture that requires no surgical intervention. No additional office visit charge will be billed the day the physician initiates fracture care. If a splint or cast is required that day, again no additional charge will be billed for the application, only for the supplies needed to make the splint or cast. Follow up visits for 90 days will have no office visit charges. Other services or supplies such as X-rays, application of new splints or casts, and the supplies necessary to make the splint or cast will be charged.
Is there a difference between orthopaedics and orthopedics?
Both spellings are correct. While the services and treatments are the same, our practice utilizes the Latin spelling.
Click here to go to Clinical Services.
Therapy
Will therapy help?
Yes. With continuous effort and hard work, therapy can address range of motion, flexibility, strength, balance or functional deficits you may have. Many orthopaedic conditions have scientific research supporting therapy as a treatment option. It is important to follow recommendations and perform your exercise program as instructed.
Can I have therapy at Great Plains Orthopaedics without seeing a Great Plains physician?
Yes, however you will need to have an order for therapy from your physician. Please check with your insurance carrier to confirm you have therapy benefits at Great Plains Orthopaedics.
How long do I have to continue with therapy?
It depends on your physical condition, diagnosis and surgical procedure. After your evaluation, the therapist will provide an estimated treatment time. In addition to your therapy sessions at Great Plains Orthopaedics, a home exercise program may be developed as appropriate to maximize your progress.
Can I do more than what you recommend?
No, to prevent further injury or increased pain, you should follow your therapist’s recommendations.
I was prescribed crutches, a walker or a cane. How long do I need to use them?
Used in rehab to assist with your stability and to allow for proper healing of injured tissues, the length of time depends on your physical condition, diagnosis and surgical procedure.
How long do I have to wear a brace?
The time frame depends on your physical condition, diagnosis and/or surgical procedure.
Should I use heat or ice?
The use of heat or ice will be determined by the therapist based on the following factors: timeframe after the onset of injury, condition, diagnosis and/or surgical procedure. Please follow the instructions issued by the physician, nursing staff or therapist.
Click here to go to Therapy Services.
Financial / Insurance
Will I be seen if I don’t bring my insurance card to my first appointment?
Without an insurance card Great Plains does not have information to submit your claim to the insurance company. You will be responsible for payment of services that day or may need to reschedule your appointment.
What do I need to provide to have Great Plains submit my charges to the workers' compensation carrier?
All treatment under workers’ compensation must be pre-authorized in writing by your employer or workers’ compensation carrier. You may bring written authorization to your first appointment or can provide our Workers’ Compensation Coordinator that information prior to your appointment at Great Plains. It is recommended that you contact your Worker’s Compensation carrier prior to your appointment to verify that authorization has been obtained.
Click to download the Workers' Compensation Authorization form.
I have a compensable work comp claim. Why do I receive statements?
Your statement is informational and alerts you to any reimbursement issues with the workers’ compensation carrier.
May I set up a payment plan?
Yes, Reimbursement Specialists will work with you to set up a payment plan based on your balance that works with your financial situation and Great Plains policies.
May I pay over the phone?
Yes, we are happy to accept your credit card payment using Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Great Plains does not charge an additional processing fee for using a credit card.
What if I want to drop off my payment?
You may drop off your payment at any Great Plains Orthopaedics office location.
Why do I get two statements from Great Plains in the mail?
If you had surgery in our ambulatory surgery center, you will receive statements for both your physician’s care and for the surgery center.
My divorce decree states my spouse is responsible for my child’s medical bills. Why am I receiving the statement?
In the State of Illinois, the parent who brings the child to the physician’s office is responsible for medical bills. When your child was registered, all financial papers accepting responsibility were also signed by the parent bringing the child for treatment.
Why was a surgery billed when I only received an injection?
Based on medical coding standards, injections are considered a surgical procedure.
What does global period mean?
Based upon medical billing standards, reimbursement for a surgical procedure includes post-surgical care for a specific time period which is described as the global period. No office visits are billed during this time period. Depending upon the surgery, the global period can be 1, 10 or 90 days. Major orthopaedic surgeries have a 90 day global period. Services or supplies such as X-rays or splints ordered during the global period are not included in surgical reimbursement and will be billed.
I have a disability form that needs to be completed by your office. How soon will it be ready?
Disability forms will be completed within 7 to 10 business days. There is a $5.00 processing fee per form. This fee must be paid before the form is processed. We will contact you when the form is completed. There is no processing fee for Family Medical Leave Act forms (FMLA).
Click here to learn more about Payment and Insurance.
Medical Records
How can I obtain a copy of my Medical Records?
The release of your medical records requires a signed authorization. This authorization form may be obtained at any of our office locations. Please allow 2 business days to process this request.
Is there a charge for my Medical Records?
Yes, if a patient requests copies of his or her medical records, there will be a $25 charge after the first 5 pages. There is no charge for exchange of medical record between healthcare providers.
Ambulatory Surgery Center
When will my surgery be scheduled?
Your surgical procedure will be scheduled based on your physician’s instructions, your needs and the Ambulatory Surgery Center’s availability. The surgery center staff will call you one business day prior to your procedure to confirm your arrival time and to answer any questions.
Why do I need 24-hour care following surgery if I have anesthesia?
The effects of anesthesia may last up to 24 hours after surgery. You may be drowsy and may need help caring for yourself.
When can I eat after surgery?
The type of anesthesia administered will determine when you can eat or drink. Further information will be provided during discharge instructions.
Click here to go to Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Prescriptions
Who do I call for a refill?
Patients are responsible for taking the medication in the dose prescribed and for keeping track of the amount remaining. All requests for prescription refills should be made directly to your pharmacy.
If a prescription renewal is necessary, the pharmacist will contact your physician for authorization. Please do not call the office directly for a refill. Please be reminded that this process may take up to two business days.
If a prescription renewal is necessary, the pharmacist will contact your physician for authorization. Please do not call the office directly for a refill. Please be reminded that this process may take up to two business days.
Downtown Peoria Physician Office, ASC and Rehabilitation
303 N. Wm. Kumpf Bl.
Peoria, IL 61605
P. 309.676.5546
F. 309.676.5045
North Peoria Physician Office
and Diagnostics
7800 N. Sommer St.
Suite 608
Peoria, IL 61615
P. 309.689.0500
F. 309.689.9706
North Peoria Rehabilitation
Services
7800 N. Sommer St.
Suite 506
Peoria, IL 61615
P. 309.589.2767
F. 309.692.1424