Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s

  • We kindly request that you bring along your photo ID or driver’s license, Insurance Card, a list of your current medications, and your preferred method of payment. We accept payment in various forms, including cash, checks, and all major credit cards.

  • Please ensure you bring your Insurance Card for your appointment with the doctor. If you arrive without it, we'll need to reschedule your visit. Please note that we require the physical card; digital versions will not be accepted.

  • We will bill you for any outstanding balance after processing your insurance claim. Given the evolving nature of insurance policies, we advise consulting your insurance provider BEFORE your appointment.

  • Absolutely! Dr. Rinehart will arrange a follow-up appointment with you between two to three weeks following your procedure.

  • Dr. Rinehart adheres to all CDC recommendations and protocols. At present, we kindly ask that all visitors wear masks while inside the office. Should you require one, masks are readily available, and hand sanitizer stations are conveniently located throughout the premises. For the safety of all, we will reschedule appointments for individuals who are unwell or deemed high-risk due to recent exposure.

    Additionally, we encourage maintaining social distancing within our office and waiting room, a practice we will uphold until further guidance is provided by health authorities.

Important In-office Surgery Questions:

Surgeries and procedures with Dr. Rinehart and the Plastic Surgery Center of St. Louis staff are done in the comfort of our conveniently located office in Kirkwood, Missouri. All procedures are performed under local anesthesia, in a private, safe, sterile, and cost-effective surgical suite. This is typically 3-5 times more affordable than traditional surgery centers or hospitals. To uphold our commitment to quality and patient care, clean surgical facility, state-of-the-art instrument maintenance, and rigorous sterilization protocols, Dr. Rinehart applies a nominal 'Surgical Administration Fee.' This allows us to provide exceptional care without compromising safety or convenience.

How much is the "Surgery Administration Fee"?

The Surgical Administration Fee is determined by the estimated duration of the surgical procedure. During your initial consultation at our office, Dr. Rinehart will provide a personalized quote for this fee, which must be settled before surgery. While this fee is typically lower than what patients encounter when their insurance applies costs to their deductible, it is separate from any deductible obligations related to Dr. Rinehart's professional fees for consultation and surgery.

Is this "Surgical Administration Fee" new for Dr. Rinehart’s practice?

Previously, Dr. Rinehart billed insurance for supplementary expenses related to sterile office surgeries. While many insurance plans historically covered these costs, the rise of high-deductible policies has shifted these expenses to patients until their deductible is met. As of 2021, due to the diminishing coverage for office surgeries by most insurance policies, Dr. Rinehart has introduced the 'Surgical Administration Fee' to sustain the availability of sterile office surgeries for your convenience and comfort.

Does Dr. Rinehart perform surgery in the hospital or a surgery center?

In cases where conscious sedation or general anesthesia is necessary, Dr. Rinehart may suggest performing the surgery at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, SSM St. Clare Hospital, or Mercy St. Louis Hospital. However, given the safety, privacy, and convenience offered by our office's sterile surgery suite, many patients opt for procedures under local anesthesia whenever feasible.