Plans we work with.
We accept Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans. If you don't see your plan listed or aren't sure whether we're in-network, call us at (818) 418-8165 — we'll verify your specific benefits at no charge before you schedule anything.
What insurance typically covers — and what affects it.
Coverage for interventional radiology procedures like GAE and RFA is generally good, but it's not automatic. Most insurers require prior authorization — a review process where the insurer confirms the procedure is medically appropriate for your situation before approving it. We handle this process for you.
Coverage strength for each procedure varies, but the general pattern is: the more conservative treatments you've already tried and documented, the stronger your prior auth case. A patient who can show two years of cortisone injections, physical therapy, and failed NSAID treatment is far easier to authorize than one with no documented history.
| Procedure | Medicare | Commercial | Typical prior auth? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) | Covered | Varies by plan | Yes — usually required |
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) | Covered | Widely covered | Yes — requires positive diagnostic block first |
| Image-guided joint injections | Covered | Widely covered | Usually no — straightforward to bill |
| Hip & shoulder embolization | Case-by-case | Varies by plan | Yes — newer procedure, coverage expanding |
| Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) | Covered | Varies by plan | Yes — requires documented BPH and failed medical therapy |
| Initial consultation | Covered | Covered | No |
Coverage status is based on published payer policies and is subject to change. Always verify your specific plan before scheduling.
We handle prior auth for you.
Prior authorization sounds bureaucratic — and it is — but it's a routine part of scheduling procedures like GAE and RFA. Here's the sequence from your first call to procedure day.
Benefit verification
When you call or submit the assessment, we contact your insurer and verify your specific benefits, deductible status, and whether the procedure you're interested in requires prior authorization under your plan. You'll hear from us within one business day.
Consultation with Dr. Dhand
At your consultation, Dr. Dhand reviews your imaging, documents your clinical history, and determines which procedures you're a candidate for. This documentation forms the basis of the prior authorization request.
Prior auth submission
Our billing team submits the prior authorization request to your insurer with the supporting clinical documentation. Most decisions come back within 3–14 business days depending on the insurer and procedure.
Scheduling
Once authorization is approved, we schedule your procedure. You'll receive a written summary of your expected cost-sharing — copay, coinsurance, or any deductible that applies — before the day of the procedure.
If authorization is denied
Denials happen and they're not the end of the road. Our billing team reviews the reason and, if the denial is inappropriate, prepares an appeal on your behalf with additional documentation. We'll explain your options clearly and never pressure you into proceeding without understanding your coverage.
No insurance? We can still help.
We offer self-pay pricing for patients without insurance coverage, patients whose plans don't cover a specific procedure, or patients who prefer to pay out-of-pocket. Self-pay pricing is discussed transparently at consultation — there are no hidden fees and no surprises.
Questions about cost? Just ask.
The fastest way to understand your exact situation — whether you have insurance or not — is a single phone call. We can tell you what to expect financially before you ever come in. There's no charge for that conversation.