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How the Office Works
Our patients are seen by appointment. When you need to be seen,
we will schedule you an appointment as rapidly and efficiently as
possible. We do not like having you wait anymore than you like waiting.
Emergencies will be given priority. Please explain the nature of
your problem to our receptionist so she can make the proper appointment.
If you cannot keep an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours
notice so another patient may use that time.
It is important to understand how your body works and the nature
of the medical problem that brings you to the office. We will spend
time during your visit to explain your medical problems and how
they are affecting your body.
Privacy of all patients is very important to us, and we will do
our best to guard this. To this end, we prefer that individual family
members are seen alone with a physician, starting with junior high
school age kids. With the patient's permission, we may speak to
other family members when necessary. Likewise, release of information
to insurance companies, schools, employers, and other specialists
will be provided only with your permission.
Click here to view
our Privacy Policy
Phone Calls
The doctors see scheduled patients all through the day and usually
cannot be called away to talk to patients on the phone. The medical
assistants are trained to handle your phone questions initially.
They may recommend that you come in for an appointment. If you must
speak with a doctor and do not need an appointment, the doctor will
usually try to return your call that evening or the next day.
Medications
Medication will be prescribed with care and only for good reason.
When you are asked to take a medicine, please follow the directions
carefully. Take all the medicine in the bottle unless it is prescribed
on an "as needed" basis. Most medication will NOT be prescribed
by phone, but rather after an evaluation in the office. When you
come to the office, bring any medication you are taking with you.
Medications refills are handled as efficiently as possible, but
please try to give us a few days to refill your medicine. If you
are in a tight spot and need a refill the same day, we will attempt
to help you if you can call before 3:00 pm.
Lab
We draw blood for lab tests, check blood pressures, and provide
other services such as strep tests, etc. by appointment only. You
do not always have to see a physician for some of these services,
but please call ahead of time to check this.
Fee
This office operates on a "fee-for-service" basis. The
cost of medical care is determined by a variety of factors, including
but not limited to the time required to deal with your problem,
the number of problems, the complexity and chronicity of your problem(s),
the cost of materials and equipment, diagnostic tests ordered, and
the risk of your problem(s) and of the medications used to treat
the problem(s).
You will get a receipt at the time of your office visit. You may
save this for tax and insurance purposes.
Any insurance you have is a contract between you and your insurance
company. Unless you have coverage with an insurance company that
we have a contract with, we will bill you for our services, not
your insurance company. It is your responsibility to collect reimbursement
from your insurance company. There is no way for us to know whether
or not your policy will cover a particular problem or service, so
please call your insurance company and review any questions you
may have regarding your explanation of benefits with your insurance
provider. Some insurance plans do not pay for physical exams or
preventive care. We will provide information for you to give to
your insurance company if you request this. You are ultimately responsible
for payment of services.
Feel free to discuss any questions about the cost of a service with
us. Our receptionists can answer your questions about fees. We believe
our fees are fair and just.
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