FAQs - Texas Liver Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

When was TLI founded?

The Texas Liver Institute (TLI) opened its doors in 2013. TLI is a world-renowned facility known for advanced care for patients with all forms of liver disorders, a clinical research division that is one of the busiest in the world, and a team of physicians that cumulatively have over 1000 peer-reviewed publications. TLI’s vision is to lead scientific advancements in understanding liver disease, developing treatments, and raising awareness through education.

Where is TLI located?

We have 3 locations in San Antonio and 1 in Austin. Our main research facility is located at our Downtown location.

San Antonio-Downtown

607 Camden St, Suite 101 San Antonio, Texas 78215

Phone : 210-253-3426

Fax : 210-227-6951

San Antonio-Medical Center

4751 Hamilton Wolfe Road, Suite 200 San Antonio, TX 78229

Phone : 210-253-3426

Fax : 210-227-6951

San Antonio-North(OPENING IN EARLY 2024)

Indian Woods Business Park 4318 De Zavala Rd., Building 4, Unit A San Antonio, TX 78230

Phone : 210-253-3426

Fax : 210-227-6951

Austin

7940 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 205 Austin, Texas 78757

Phone : 512-454-8378

Fax : 512-454-8375

Do I need a referral to visit TLI?

You may need an authorization and or a referral, depending on your insurance provider and insurance plan. Referring providers are required to send the referral and records prior to scheduling an appointment to ensure determination of urgency. Self-referred patients are also required to provide all records pertaining to the current diagnosis requiring an appointment with TLI.

Will my primary care provider get a copy of my procedure and/or updates on my care?

TLI physicians provide ongoing updates to Primary Care and/or Referring Providers documented in your medical records. Please inform the clinical team if you choose not to disclose your medical records to your Referring Provider or Primary Care Provider.

Which hospitals are TLI physicians associated with in the area?

TLI physicians are associated with University Health Transplant Institute.

How long will it take to get an appointment?

We routinely schedule new patients for the first available appointment depending on current diagnosis. Accommodations will be made for urgent or critical patients at the providers’ discretion.

Do you treat children?

No. Patient must be at least 18 years of age.

How do I request a copy of my medical records?

Up to 25 pages of medical records requested by a patient will be released to the patient at no charge. Any request for >25 pages will be charged $35.00. If records are to be sent to a new provider, it is recommended that you sign a Release of Medical Records from the other office and we will release the records to that office. Verbal request from patients will not be accepted.

Once I’m a patient, may I transfer care to another provider within the TLI group?

While we encourage you to remain with your current TLI provider for continuity of care, transfer requests are considered on a case by case basis.

Does TLI handle Workers’ Compensation claims?

No, TLI does not handle Workman’s Compensation claims.

Insurance FAQs

What insurance carriers do you accept?

Aetna
Amerigroup
BCBS HMO/PPO
Care Improvement Plus – Medicare
Cigna PPO
Community First
Coventry/First Health PPO
GEHA/ First Health
HealthSmart
Humana HMO/PPO/Medicare
Interplan Health Network
Medicare
Medicaid
Molina-Medicare
Oscar
PHCS
Superior Health Plan (Medicare, Medicaid)
Tricare
United Health Care
VA (with referral/auth from PCM)
Wellcare of Texas – Medicare

This listing may not include all plans TLI accepts. Please contact TLI if your plan is not listed.

Which insurance carriers do you not accept?

BSW (HMO Premier)
Marketplace/Obama Care
Exchange plans

I don’t have insurance. Can I still visit TLI?

Yes.

I have Medicare. How do I prove that my procedure is a medical necessity?

Your physician will order tests that he/she feels are medically necessary depending upon your symptoms or previous diagnosis. Should any of these services be considered not medically necessary, you will be asked to review our Advanced Beneficiary Notice explaining the services ordered, the cost of the services and the reason why Medicare may not consider these medically necessary. Should you choose to proceed with the services, you will sign the Notice accepting financial responsibility for those services.

Can you help me negotiate with my insurance company?

Should a claim for services be denied, we will assist you in working with your health plan.

What can I expect to pay out of pocket?

There are many variables to this question depending upon the services provided. You will be provided with the amounts for your co-insurance, co-pay, and deductible as well as an overall estimate prior to services being rendered.

Do you accept Medicaid?

Yes, traditional and replacement for Bexar County and Austin area only.

Procedure FAQs

What procedures do you perform?

We perform liver biopsy, ultrasound and FibroScan at our clinics.

How soon can I have a procedure performed?

Most procedures are usually scheduled within 1-2 weeks from the date of your visit at which the procedure was ordered by the provider. The timeframe may vary depending on insurance, procedure type and availability.

What will happen if I eat or drink something right before (or a few hours before) liver biopsy?

Your procedure may be cancelled. In the case of liver biopsy, it is dangerous to receive sedation if you have had something to eat or drink before a procedure.

Why can’t I drive after the liver biopsy?

The medication that you are given to relax you and relieve any pain during the liver biopsy procedure may cause you to forget events and may impair your judgment and reflexes. If you attempt to drive, you will be considered “driving under the influence.”

Can I drink wine or beer after liver biopsy?

No. This is dangerous since you will have received narcotics and sedatives during your procedure. You should not mix alcohol and these medications. Alcohol can also increase post procedure bleeding.

What can I eat after liver biopsy?

This will depend on directions from your physician but most patients resume their normal diet immediately. You may be asked to avoid spicy or greasy foods for the next several hours.

How long does a liver biopsy take?

A liver biopsy procedure typically takes 5-10 minutes; however, you will be here 4-4.5 hours from arrival until discharge.

Will I be awake during the liver biopsy? Is it painful?

You are awake and able to hear and follow instructions. You will feel the initial numbing of skin and track to liver, but once numb you will not feel the sampling of the liver.

Can I bring someone in with me during the procedure and watch?

No, this is not allowed. Due to privacy of other patients, family members are not allowed in procedure room.

What to Expect FAQs

Can I meet my physician prior to the liver biopsy?

Yes, the physician will meet and discuss the procedure with you beforehand.

Will I be sedated during the liver biopsy?

No, but you will be given oral medication to calm your nerves.

What staff can I expect to meet during my liver biopsy?

You may meet several clinical staff during your visit, including medical assistants and an ultrasound technologist. You will also meet the front office staff who will check you in and assist you with completion of all paperwork. Our clinical staff has additional training that is liver specific, as well as ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) and BLS (basic life support).

Should I bring a family member or friend to my procedure?

You will need to bring someone with you to the TLI. They are welcome to wait in our lobby during the duration of your visit or can be called when it is nearing time for you to be picked up. Additionally, you will not be allowed to drive or take a taxi/Uber/Lyft home without a responsible adult with you.

How soon will I receive the results of my procedure?

Procedure results will be reviewed with you at your next scheduled appointment. Results take 2-3 weeks. You should have a follow up appointment scheduled with your clinical team 2-3 weeks post biopsy.

Financial Policy FAQs

What is TLI’s financial policy?

As a courtesy, TLI will file health insurance claims to your health plan. You will be financially responsible for satisfying deductibles, co-payments and co-insurances.

My insurance carrier is requesting a referral. How do I obtain one?

You must first see your primary care provider (PCP) for your condition. If your PCP feels it appropriate, his/her office will contact your health plan to order a referral. This referral must be on file with our office by the day of your visit. If not, you will be financially responsible for services provided during that particular visit.

I’d like to work out a payment plan with TLI. What should I know?

It is the patient’s responsibility to remit payment at the time of service. We understand that from time to time circumstances can arise that create a hardship. Please speak with a manager BEFORE your clinic visit or procedure if you will be unable to pay your balance in full on the day of your appointment.

Who is responsible for getting my estimated cost from my insurance carrier?

Our office will contact your health plan to obtain this information. Please be advised that this information can change daily and depends on if there are other health claims being processed on your behalf from other healthcare providers. We provide this information as an estimate only.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio-Downtown

San Antonio-Medical Center

San Antonio-North(OPENING IN EARLY 2024)

Austin

Insurance FAQs

Procedure FAQs

What to Expect FAQs

Financial Policy FAQs

Billing FAQs