HAVE A QUESTION?
No, therapy appointments are determined by the physician, and medical evaluation needs to be performed prior to therapy being ordered. Often times therapists will redirect the treatment regimen, but the initial assessment is determined by the physician after a clinical evaluation.
When refills are required, one of two things will happen. If it is the appropriate time for refill and it is a non-controlled substance, this can be called in without a brief clinical visit. If however it is a controlled substance, the patient will need to be seen, routinely this is a 30 day assessment, and the medication will be written after initial evaluation with a medical assistant or a nurse practitioner.
It is always most helpful if a patient brings as much information as possible in an organized fashion. Specifically, a list of the current medications, the dosage, the frequency, and the prescribing doctor is helpful. In addition to prior medical records, diagnostic testing is also very helpful. Having this arranged in a logical fashion is of great benefit, as this expedites a clinical history review and can help the doctor hone in on your current problems.
The easiest way is to sign a release of information request, and present it to the records custodian. There is a nominal charge, which will be explained to you. When the records are sent to an additional treating physician, there is no charge for that.
The easiest way is to contact the office, ask for the medical assistant, and leave a message for the physician. Often times the physician will review that information, after consulting diagnostic testing and the medical record. A reply will be provided to the medical assistant or nurse practitioner, who will then contact you with the appropriate information.
Indeed, there is a charge. The office makes every effort to accommodate patients, to make sure that the appointment is at a convenient time, and the patients can keep their scheduled appointment. That appointment time is reserved for only one patient, there are no double bookings. Therefore, when a patient does not show up, it takes that time slot away from other patients who are eager to be seen. For that reason, a 24-hour cancellation is requested to avoid charges for a no-show or canceled appointment.
Yes, as individual patients have chosen their own insurance, that is an agreement that you have made with your insurance company. As such, it is a binding agreement, and you must keep your part of the bargain, which is to pay the co-pay amount at the time of the office visit. When there is financial hardship, special arraignments can be made with the Billing Department. It is always possible to set up a payment plan to make it easier for you to continue to receive your treatment.