FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Whole Health Rheumatology of Cape Cod is a hybrid private Rheumatology practice. This means that we accept payments directly from our patients or bill one insurance company that we are contracted with (Medicare part B).

If you have medicare part B health insurance as your primary insurance, the cost of your visit is submitted via a claim to Medicare. You may be responsible for copays as per your contractual agreement with secondary insurance (copays range in value and depend on what your contract determines is your responsibility for payment for services not covered by Medicare part B).

If you have any other health insurance, Dr. Ziegenbein receives direct payment for her services. We can provide you with a superbill (itemized receipt that includes all the relevant information for your insurance carrier pertinent to your visit) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits.

At your first visit, Dr. Ziegenbein will review your medical history, symptoms, and any test results you bring with you. She will perform a thorough physical exam and may order lab work or imaging to help determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. We know there's a lot to cover, so first appointments are scheduled for 60-90 minutes.

We understand the urgent need to see a rheumatologist when facing unexplained joint pain or an autoimmune disease. Currently, appointments are available within 2-5 business days.

Yes, we provide telehealth consultations for both new and existing patients when appropriate. This convenient option allows you to see a rheumatologist from the comfort of your home. Ask if a telehealth visit could work for your situation when booking.

If you are not an established patient, please present to ER or UC.

Once you become a patient of Dr. Ziegenbein, she will review situations with you that represent an emergency and how to get hold of her. Dr. Ziegenbein is available to assist patients of record experiencing arthritis flares, medication reactions, or other emergencies requiring immediate attention.

Yes, we provide patients with educational materials on various rheumatic diseases and their treatments. This includes handouts, websites, books, and more to help you learn about your condition. Let us know if you need any specific information. We also hold periodic educational seminars that are open to the public.

You can call our office 24/7 and leave a message for your rheumatology care team. We strive to return all calls within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends. For any urgent issues, inform the staff you need a call back ASAP.

At this time, we do not provide any infusions. However, Dr. Ziegenbein provides teaching of various injectable medications, including Methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel etc.

We help coordinate any outside imaging, like MRI and CT scans, as well as labs ordered by your doctor as deemed medically necessary.