Frequently asked questions:

Dr. Karen Hover, MD, graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1992 and from the Eastern Maine Family Practice Residency in 1995. She is board certified in Family Practice and cares for patients of all ages. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice. She has privileges at St. Joseph's Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center. She teaches resident doctors at the EMMC Family Practice Residency Program part time. Her interests include women's health, childhood obesity, and quality management. She is married with children and likes good food and outdoor sports. She is a member of Tuesday Forum.

Do you take insurance?

Yes. We are currently an in network provider for Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, and Harvard Pilgrim. In network means that patients pay their usual co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible on the day of service and the remainder of the charges are billed to the insurance company. Patients with other insurances can elect to see us out of network.

What happens if I have no insurance?

You pay a fixed and predictable fee on the day of service. See our web page on self pay prices.

What happens if I have insurance but not Anthem, Aetna Cigna, or Harvard Pilgrim?

You should check your insurance policy and find out how your insurance company will reimburse you for out of network services. Some insurance policies cover out of network services at 100%, some cover nothing, and quite a few are in between. At The Family Doc, you would pay a fixed and predictable fee on the day of service (please view our web page on self pay prices). We will offer you a detailed receipt of the services provided and the fee you paid. Then, if you wish, you can submit your receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.

What happens if I have Medicare or Mainecare?

The Family Doc does not bill Medicare or Mainecare. Patients who have these insurances are asked to pay for their visit on the day of service, using the self pay prices. Since Medicare and Mainecare will not reimburse patients for healthcare services, this is an expensive choice. Most patients with Medicare or Mainecare should seek care at an office that will bill their insurance.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. Patients can pay using cash or check, Mastercard or Visa, or Health Savings Account cards or debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo on them. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Do you make housecalls?

Yes. Patients who do not need equipment that cannot be transported and who are willing to pay for travel time can schedule housecalls. Just ask.

Can I give health care as a gift?

Yes you can. We have gift cards for sale over the telephone or in the office. You can choose the amount. If you are giving healthcare as a gift to someone who has no insurance, the self pay prices apply. Our fixed prices for self pay patients make it easier to choose what to spend. Consider giving a single issue visit for $50, or a prevention visit for $50, or a flu vaccine for $25.