Frequently Asked Questions

I have not received my test results. What should I do?

Although most results are ready within 5 business days, some tests may take longer to complete. Call the Outpatient Medical Clinic at (907) 886-4741 if you have not been notified of your test results and you would like to know if they are available.

Administrative Issues

I was denied payment for a bill. How do I appeal?

Sometimes the Annette Island Service Unit will deny payment for bills presented for services. Reasons for denial can include:

• No prior authorization
• No notification within 72 hours of an emergency
• No IHS eligibility on file
• Inappropriate use of emergency room or ambulance service
• The patient does not reside on Annette Island
• An alternative resource was available (such as Medicaid, Worker's Compensation, private insurance, etc.)
• The service is an excluded service

When Annette Island Service Unit denies payment, you will be notified in writing. The denial letter will state the reason for denial and will clearly state the process you can follow to initiate an appeal. All appeals must be in writing and must be submitted within 30 days of the time you receive the Annette Island Service Unit's denial letter. You will be notified in writing of the decision on your appeal within 30 days of the time it is received by the Annette Island Service Unit. If you do not follow these procedures, your appeal may be dismissed without further consideration in a written "Notice of Dismissal."

How do I obtain or send my medical record?

All information contained in your health record is confidential. All requests for information from health records must be directed to the Medical Records Department. A properly completed authorization signed by the patient is required before any health information can released, including release to another health care provider unless that health care provider is currently involved in the patient's care. There is one exception: if the law requires that your medical records be released, the Annette Island Service Unit will comply with the law.

To protect the privacy of a minor in certain situations, an authorization form may need to be signed by the minor before medical records can be released to a parent or guardian.

How does a "Living Will" work?

Sometimes elders or those with a terminal illness choose to reside in their homes for the remainder of their lives. The clinic’s providers and staff will work with the patient and family to assist with the patient's comfort and provide support to the patient and family in this decision.

To make sure that your wishes about health care are respected, we encourage you to write a Living Will and/or an Advance Directive. These documents will guide your doctors if you are unable to participate in health care decisions. Forms are available in the clinic for this purpose, and the clinic's providers and staff are available to help you complete the forms.

What are the parental consent requirements for minors?

Minor children who come to the clinic for health care must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. If you are unable to come to the clinic with your child, you must give written consent for your child to receive medical care.

Exceptions to this rule involve the examination and treatment of minors for pregnancy, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, suspected child abuse, rape, alcohol or drug dependency, and mental health problems. In these situations, state law allows adolescents over 14 years of age to consent to medical care without parental consent or notification. In addition, when a minor is authorized to consent to medical care, the records regarding that care are confidential and the right to confidentiality belongs to the minor.

What if I have more questions?

• If you have any questions after you have seen a doctor, ask one of the nurses or Community Health Aides. We want to help you understand how to best care for yourself and your family.
• If you have questions after you get home, call the Outpatient Medical Clinic at (907) 886-4741 and ask for a nurse.
• If you have questions about this Web site, contact the Webmaster (link at the bottom of the page.)