Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about types of patients, insurance coverage, bills, and other topics.
What type of patients do you see at MHVI?
We mostly see adult patients for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Patients from 16 to 18 years old can be seen by our cardiologists or surgeons for certain conditions. Pediatric-aged patients can be seen by cardiologists from the Children’s Heart Clinic (Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota) at the Mercy Heart and Vascular Center.
Care provided by MHVI is delivered mostly at Allina facilities. Can I be seen if my primary clinic is not an Allina Clinic?
Definitely. We see patients who belong to Allina Medical Clinics, but also to HealthPartners Clinics, Fairview Clinics, North Clinic, Buffalo Clinic, and other sites. Patient care at MHVI is provided by Metropolitan Cardiology Consultants, Twin Cities Heart and Lung, and Minneapolis Vascular Physicians, all independent physician groups which have partnerships with, but are not owned by, Allina Health.
I belong to a primary clinic that is not part of Allina Health, and my primary doctor wants me to see a cardiologist in his/her health system. Can I come to MHVI?
Most insurance carriers allow patients to choose providers from different health systems and do not restrict them from choosing specialists outside the health system of their primary care providers.
For instance, patients who choose a Fairview clinic for their primary care may want to receive cardiovascular care at MHVI because of proximity and quality. If you live in Andover or Fridley, your insurance company will likely allow you to see an MHVI specialist within a few miles of your home instead of driving down to Minneapolis or Edina to a Fairview hospital.
We suggest checking with your insurance provider to determine if they will cover visits to MHVI. If so, we will keep your primary clinic up to date, through timely verbal and written communication, on any visits or treatment you receive from us.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept all major health insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Our providers are part of the preferred network for most plans offered by Medica, HealthPartners, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, and other carriers.
Please check with your insurance provider to ensure that our providers are covered by your specific plan. If a referral is needed, please contact your primary physician and/or insurance carrier to authorize the visit and to be sure you have coverage. With your authorization, we will submit all claims to your insurance on your behalf.
When do bills need to be paid?
If your insurance plan has a co-payment, it must be paid at the time of service. All accounts are due and payable within 30 days from the date of billing. If you are not insured, you must speak to the business office before your appointment. If, under special circumstances, you are unable to pay your bill, please contact our Business Office at 763.236.9198 to discuss payment arrangements.
