F.A.Q.'s
- How long will it take to have my refills called in on my medications? Regular maintenance medications take 24 hours to be called in, controlled substances require physician approval and can take up 3 business days. Prescription refills received after 4:30pm will be called in the next business day.
- How much time does a new patient visit take? A new patient visit can take up to 2 hours. It may be longer if the doctor orders any testing to be done on the same day as your visit.
- How much time does a follow up appointment take? This visit can take up to 90 minutes.
- Do I have to pay a co-payment every time I come to the office? If your insurance plan requires a co-payment, you will be expected to pay each time you see the physician. The amount of your co-pay is noted on your insurance card under specialist designation, this amount may be higher than what you normally pay to your primary care physician. The co-payment is not collected when you come in to the office for testing only. Because the testing is done in the office, some insurance plans may still charge you a co-pay for these visits. You may receive a bill for your co-pay after the insurance has sent a payment.
- How much time should I allow for a Nuclear Stress Test? The Nuclear Stress Test is a two part test. For timing purposes, you should consider this test to be an all-day procedure. Typically the first part of the test can take up to 2 hours. You will have a break and then come back for a second part that lasts approximately 30 minutes. The length of your break often depends on how many cases are scheduled that day, but is usually about 3 hours. However, there could be some wait time associated with the fact that other patients are also in queue for this procedure.
- Can I schedule my own test without seeing a doctor first? No. Each patient will be treated individually based on their symptoms, family history, and previous test results. The physician will develop a treatment plan for each patient specifically.
- What type of insurance plans do you accept? We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, commercial and government products. For a partial listing, please click here. (link to insurance info page)
- Do I have to see a doctor to be cleared for surgery? Yes, most surgeons require a cardiac clearance within 30 days of the surgery date. You will be examined by the physician and some additional tests may be needed to assess your risk. When scheduling a cardiac clearance, please allow adequate time for any testing to be completed. At least 2 weeks, but no more than 4 weeks prior to surgery date is preferred.
- Will I be charged for a missed appointment if I do not call ahead to cancel/reschedule my appointment or test? There is a $15.00 missed appointment fee charged for all missed appointments. If you miss a Nuclear Stress Test and do not call, a fee of $130.00 is charged to cover the cost of your medicine.
- Will someone notify me about my laboratory or test results? For laboratory results, you will only be notified of abnormal findings, once the ordering physician has reviewed the results. For all other testing, you must schedule a follow up appointment with your doctor to receive results.
- Can I get my test results over the phone? You must schedule a follow up appointment with your physician to receive test results. No results will be given over the phone.
- How do I get disability forms filled out? There is a $10.00 charge per form to complete these papers. Please fill out a “forms completion” form (link to form here) to help our staff have the needed details about your disability. We ask for 7-10 business days to complete this paperwork.
- When I request a refill will someone notify me that it has been called in to the pharmacy? No. Your medication will be phoned in to the pharmacy within 24 hours of your request, 72 hours for controlled substances. Please check with your pharmacy to see if it has been filled.
- What over the counter cough/cold, sinus medication is recommended for heart patients? Coricdin HBP is usually safe for patients with high blood pressure, but you should always check with your physician before starting any new medication.
- If my physician has put me on a medication that I cannot afford, what should I do? Please let us know if you cannot afford your medication. There are often generic equivalents that can be prescribed and patient assistance programs available to help with medication costs.
