Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


I need to schedule a physical.  How long is the wait to schedule an appointment for this?

 

DOT (truck driver), employment or sports physical are scheduled the same day or next day.  For an annual patient physical exam, the usual time waiting is 5 to 7 days, depending on your physician’s schedule

 

 

Do you take walk-in patients?

 

Yes.  Priority is given to patients with appointments, but when you arrive without any appointment, you will be given an approximate “work in” time that the physician will be able to see you.  Occasionally, your preferred physician may not have any remaining time slots available.  When this occurs, you will be offered a “work in time slot” with another physician, or you will be given an option to schedule a time to see your preferred physician the next day.  

 

 

How long will I need to wait at the office to see the doctor?

 

The usual wait time is 30 to 45 minutes, but of course this depends on emergency situations that may arise.  Please be assured you will be given the same prompt attention should you present to our office with an emergency.

 

 

Will I get a phone call or letter with my test results?

 

If your test results are abnormal, patients will be notified by phone, if possible.  Please make sure that we have correct phone numbers if you are expecting results.  If we are unable to reach you by phone, we will send a letter.  If your test results are normal, we do not routinely notify you.  Due to the batching of some tests, it may take up to five to seven days to receive and review all test results.  Please allow up to two weeks for pap smear results as these tests are performed at our reference laboratory.

 

 

Is my doctor in the office today?

 

All of our physicians have a variable schedule week to week depending on hospital call, vacation or other commitments.  You may contact the office at anytime to ask when your physician will be able to see you.  Please stay tuned to our website which will soon have this information available to you.

 

 

Will I have to pay anything when I come to the office?

 

New and established patients are always required to pay their co-pay at the time of service. If you do not have a co-pay, but are required to meet a deductible with your insurance carrier, you should provide evidence that your deductible has been met and be prepared to pay the coinsurance due.  If your deductible is not met, you will be expected to pay for the office visit plus any tests ordered on the date of service.

 

 

Are you open on Saturdays?

 

Yes, we are open almost all Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. and the doors close at 12:00 noon.

 

 

Do you have wireless internet connection for patients who are waiting?

 

Yes.  Persons with laptops or other devices may access our free public wireless internet.

 

 

Who should I contact if I need a prescription refill?

 

You should call our office and leave your prescription information on our prescription line.  Prescription messages are reviewed twice daily by our nurses.  Prescription requests called in after 4 p.m. may not be reviewed until the next business morning.  You may also visit our Refill a Prescription page on our website and complete your refill request via the internet.

 

 

How long will it take to get my medication refilled?

 

Approved prescription refills will be called to the pharmacy within 24 hours of your request.  Please check with the pharmacy to see if your prescription has been refilled before placing a second call to the office. You will be notified by the nurse within 24 hours of NON-approved refill requests.  If it has been more than 3 months since you were last seen in our office, you may be asked to see the physician before refills can be ordered.

 

 

I am a new patient to your practice.  What will be required at my first visit?

 

New patients should bring all insurance information and should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment in order to complete the necessary paperwork and allow time for staff to create a new chart for you.  You should be prepared to pay your co-pay or new patient office visit fee on the date of service.

 

 

Who do I notify about changes in my personal information?

 

In order for us to notify you about prescriptions, file your insurance claims, etc., you must immediately notify the receptionist of any new telephone numbers, change of address, job changes, or new insurance company information.