Why We No Longer Accept Insurance Contracts—and What Patients Should Know
- Richard Harding, MD, FACS
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 19
Thyroid Nodule Treatment Center and Arizona Endocrine Surgery are both owned by Dr. Richard Harding, staffed and located at the same location. Dr. Harding is committed to delivering focused, high-quality care for patients with endocrine conditions and those who may benefit from advanced laparoscopic procedures. In alignment with this mission, the practice has made a strategic decision to no longer contract with commercial insurance networks or AHCCCS plans. Medicare will continue to be accepted.
This shift allows for a more personalized, patient-centered experience—one that prioritizes time, attention, and thoughtful surgical planning over the constraints of volume-driven care models.
Why The No Insurance Change Was Made
Insurance contracts often undervalue the time and expertise required to provide exceptional surgical care. By stepping away from these agreements, Arizona Endocrine Surgery can offer longer consultations, more thorough evaluations, and a more responsive experience for patients and referring providers alike.
What This Means for Patients
Medicare and Out-of-Network Coverage
Patients with Medicare Part B or private insurance that includes out-of-network benefits can typically schedule appointments with minimal delay.
Referrals Without Out-of-Network Benefits
Patients whose insurance does not include out-of-network coverage may still be eligible for care. In these cases, referring providers can submit a simple appeal letter requesting a one-time authorization. Arizona Endocrine Surgery will assist in forwarding this request to the insurance company. A sample letter is available to streamline the process.
No Delay in Care
Most endocrine and general surgical conditions allow sufficient time for this appeal process without compromising patient outcomes.
This approach reflects a broader commitment to restoring the quality and integrity of the physician-patient relationship. Patients and providers with questions about the new model or referral process are encouraged to reach out directly.
What This Means for Referring Doctors
Referring providers remain a vital part of the care continuum. Arizona Endocrine Surgery is committed to making the referral process as seamless and efficient as possible:
Streamlined Appeal Support: For patients without out-of-network benefits, a brief appeal letter from the referring provider can initiate the process. A sample template is available.
Rapid Scheduling: Patients with Medicare or qualifying private insurance can be scheduled promptly, often with short wait times.
Collaborative Communication: Referring physicians will receive timely updates on patient evaluations, surgical recommendations, and follow-up care to ensure continuity and transparency.
No Added Burden: The appeal process is designed to be simple and minimally disruptive to your workflow. Arizona Endocrine Surgery will manage the administrative follow-through once the initial letter is signed.
This model empowers referring providers to connect their patients with specialized surgical care—without the limitations imposed by insurance networks.
Download Referral Memo
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