FAQ’s
Appointments
How do I make an appointment?
Established and new patients should call the office and ask for an appointment. Please describe your symptoms / reason for visit to the assistant when they ask so that the appropriate amount of time can be allocated for your visit.
Reaching us after - hours
How do I reach someone if the office is not open?
If you are ill and need medical advice please call the office phone number. Your call will be answered by our service and the covering doctor will be notified. The covering doctor will call you back as soon as possible.
For all other issues wait and call during office hours.
If you think that you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.
Insurance
Insurance coverage questions
It is your responsibility to understand your insurance plans policies concerning referrals and covered benefits. If you receive services that are not covered, you assume financial responsibility for the service. Similarly if you see a specialist without a referral, you assume responsibility for that service.
Referrals
How do I get a referral?
To obtain a referral you must initially see one of our physicians for the condition. If one of our physicians has not seen you for the condition, we cannot give you a referral.
If you wish to be referred to a specialist of your own choosing, you must make that clear during your visit, and you must provide us with the following information about the doctor:
- Doctors name
- Insurance ID number and NPI number
- Telephone and fax number
- Medical specialty (e.g., gastroenterology, dermatology).
You should wait in the office for the referral to be processed and given to you.
If you need an update to a previous referral, you should contact us at least 2 business days before your appointment with the specialist.
General Physical / Annual Exam
What should I expect during a General Physical / Annual Exam?
The general physical is a once-a-year visit to your physician for a general health check. It is often called a “preventive visit”. Since its purpose is not to treat illnesses, but rather identify your risks of illness and to advise you on measures to take to prevent illness. Some insurance plans require patients too pay second co-pay when the doctor addresses an issue during the preventive visit, even for the simplest of issues. Our physicians will address specific health problems during your follow-up visit which should be scheduled for two (2) weeks after your physical.
The annual exam typically includes the following:
- General Physical Exam
- EKG
- Review of your family health history
- Review of your personal health history
- Review of your need for health screening tests
- Blood and urine tests for general health
What blood and urine tests are given during the general physical?
The full list is to long and complicated to explain. Generally speaking, the tests are:
- General tests of liver and kidney function
- Check for Anemia
- Test for Thyroid function
- Screening for symptoms of diabetes
- Check for Cholesterol levels
- Screening for sexually transmitted diseases
Again this is an abbreviated and simplified list. Additional tests may be added based on your medical history.
Will my insurance cover my general physical?
While most insurance plans do cover the Preventive Exam, some do not. It is important that you verify your insurance coverage prior to your visit.
Obtaining Test Results
How do I obtain my test results?
Once your test results have been reviewed by your physician he/she will call you and explain the results. You may also schedule a two (2) week follow-up appointment with your physician if you prefer.
