FAQs

Of course! The first step towards a successful treatment plan is a good partnership with your healthcare provider. If, for any reason, you would like to obtain a second, or even third, opinion regarding your diagnosis or treatment options, we would be happy to provide that.

If diagnosing a rheumatic or autoimmune condition were easy, everyone would do it. We understand how the not-knowing can be anxiety producing. For better or for worse, often medical tests alone do not provide clear answers, but through careful investigation, we aim to get to the root cause of your ailment, whether they are rheumatic or not.

First-time consultations are done virtually through a 60-90 minute telemedicine visit. If in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area and deemed necessary a 60-120 minute house call can also be included. The initial telemedicine visit includes a thorough discussion of your medical history, your daily symptoms and specific lifestyle habits. From there, a full physical exam (via telemedicine or house call) is performed followed by a thorough discussion of the recommended treatment plan. A follow-up phone call will then be scheduled to review all results and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. This totals approximately 2-3+ hours of face to face time with the doctor! Get more information here.

We are honored to be allowed into your home during these crazy times and we take it very seriously. Dr. Ortiz will be following the most recent recommendations by the CDC in regards to masking and social distancing. Given the changing circumstances, an increase in vaccinations and boosters and changing recommendations by the CDC, mask requirements during a house call may be adjusted on a case by case basis. It is recommended a quiet, private area is made available for the visit where there are minimal distractions.

While house calls are limited to patients within 40 miles of downtown Dallas, Dr. Ortiz is available for tele-medicine consultations for patients throughout Texas.

We acknowledge there may be times when you miss an appointment due to emergencies or obligations to work or family; however we urge you to cancel at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. If an appointment is cancelled within 24 hours of the appointment time, or the appointment is “no-showed,” a one-time fee of $50 will be applied to your bill.

Our opportunities to treat patients are limited by the time we take with each patient, therefore the patient and/or his/her guardian(s), or legally responsible person(s) also acknowledge that if the patient No-Shows for more than two appointments that they may be dismissed from care. Connected Rheumatology, PLLC will notify you if you are discharged from care.

For general and/or new patient inquiries, please email or use our contact page to message us at Connected Rheumatology. Please include a short summary of the issue and how you would like us to help you. Please note that general and/or new patient inquiries submitted via email do not establish a physician-patient relationship, so private health information should not be included.

Current patients with non-urgent issues may contact Dr. Ortiz through the patient portal. Patient portal messages will be reviewed and responded to by the end of the following business day.

It is recommended you contact your Primary Care Provider or Emergency services if:

-You are experiencing acute health issues, such as colds, or other acute infections, pain requiring pain management, traumatic injuries

-You require standard office procedures, vaccinations, general check-ups (pap smears, mammograms, etc)

-You have an urgent care matter, require an after-hour visit or need on-call physician assistance

-You need refills for regular prescriptions managed by your Primary Care Provider

No. In order to provide the care we believe will best serve you, Connected Rheumatology does not work with any insurance plans and Dr. Ortiz is considered “Out of Network.” Payment will be made to Connected Rheumatology directly. Connected Rheumatology can provide a “super-bill” for all initial consultations that the patient can then be turned into your insurance company.

Connected Rheumatology can provide a superbill for your initial consultation, which will include charges for the telemedicine & house call portion of the consult. Connected Rheumatology cannot guarantee reimbursement and all submissions and appeals are the responsibility of the patient.

Our recommendations take into account insurance coverage when possible and in your best interest.