patient information ::

Welcome

Welcome to the practice of Charles Chalekson, MD, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Overview

Plastic Surgery requires many years of surgical training. In the past plastic surgery training typically involved a two-year residency after general surgery or other surgical training. Dr. Chalekson has had the honor of attending one of the first complete plastic surgery residencies where training is six years long and begins immediately after medical school enabling a complete and extensive exposure to plastic and reconstructive surgery. He practices a full scope of plastic surgery with expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery throughout the entire face and body.

Our Staff

We have selected our staff with particular concern for efficiency and a warm, dedicated attitude. Please feel free to approach anyone on the staff if you have a question and concern.

Referrals

Our practice has grown because of our patients' kind referrals. We encourage you to recommend our office to your family and friends. We always have time to care for a new patient.

If your doctor has referred you, he or she will promptly receive a letter outlining our findings and the course of treatment. We encourage you to return to your referring doctor after our specialized care is complete.

Consultation

Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Occasionally, surgery can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

• Your surgical referral slip and any X-rays if applicable
• A list of medications you are presently taking
• If you have medical insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

IMPORTANT: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit.

A pre-operative consultation is mandatory for patients undergoing IV anesthesia for surgery. Please have nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your surgery. You will also need an adult to drive you home.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.)

X-Ray

If your physician has taken X-Rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.

In Case of Emergency

A vital part of our service is being available for your emergency needs. Please explain your problem to our receptionist, who will arrange an immediate appointment for you. Our doctors provide 24-hour emergency coverage.

After hours you can reach the surgeon on call by calling Physician’s Exchange at 805-434-2828. The operator on duty will relay your message to the doctor, who will return your call.

Scheduling

We ask that you schedule an initial evaluation with the doctor. At that time questions will be answered, the necessary procedure is determined and discussed, a short health history is taken and we will schedule you for a surgical procedure if you so desire. The surgery may be done in our office or at the hospital. After surgery you will usually have one or two post-operative appointments to check your recovery.

Occasionally, we experience emergency scheduling of patients involved in accidents and other acute emergencies. We do try to stay on schedule; however, there are instances when even the best of planning cannot control your waiting room time. In case of a long wait or unanticipated emergency, we will be happy to reschedule another convenient time for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at the number below: (805) 434-2828

Office Location: 1310 Las Tablas Road Suite 202, Templeton, Ca 93465

Insurance Information

Our insurance coordinators deal with many insurance companies. Because many companies frequently change policies, it is sometimes difficult to accurately estimate our patient's insurance co-payment. Many insurance companies will not give out fees until after the treatment is completed. As a courtesy, we ask that you keep us informed of any change to your insurance. It is important that all information about you is current.

Co-Payment: All co-payments are payable when you check in at the front desk.

Medicare Patients: Medicare pays us directly for your care. You are responsible for any deductible and co-insurance. If Medicare denies your procedure, you are responsible for the charges.

Private and Group Insurance: As a courtesy, we will file your insurance claims for you. Upon receipt of an insurance payment, any balance due will be billed to you. If you have deposited an excessive co-payment, it will be refunded to you.

If you have any problems or questions, please ask our staff. They are well informed and up-to-date. Please call if you have any questions or concerns regarding your initial visit.

Financial Information

At the time of your initial visit, your treatment plan will be established along with an estimate of fees. We will file your insurance paperwork to help receive all entitled reimbursements. Please bring your insurance forms with you and have your portion filled out and signed to expedite the filing of your claim.

Filing your claim: Our financial secretary will be happy to discuss payment arrangements that will suit your needs. We accept cash, check, debit cards, VISA, Mastercard and Discover. In order to contain billing cost we ask that all accounts be paid within 60 days from the date of service. If an account goes over 60 days a finance charge of 1.5% per month (18% per year) is added to the unpaid balance.

Surgical Instructions

PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA

1. You must not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment.
2. A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and be able to drive the patient home.
3. The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
4. Please wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes. Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.