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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I see my doctor?
The answer to this question depends on several factors including your age, sex, family history and your previous and current health conditions. In general, we recommend a full physical exam for healthy adults according to the following schedule:
18-29 every 5 years
30-39 every 3 years
40-49 every 2 years
50+ every year
Men need an annual prostate exam after age 40, and women need an annual Pap Smear and breast exam unless otherwise recommended by a physician.
If you have a chronic medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease or heart/liver/kidney disease, you will need to see your doctor more frequently. Every three to six months is a good guideline, but your doctor may recommend more frequent visits for newly diagnosed problems or when medications are being adjusted or changed.
Why are there no refills on my last prescription?
This is an indication that it has been too long since your last visit with your doctor. You may need blood work or just a blood pressure check. You should call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
What do I need to do if I am scheduled for surgery?
Find out first if you need a preoperative physical exam. Your surgeon's office can tell you this. If so, call to schedule it as soon as you know the date of your surgery. If not, you may just need to go to a drawing station approved by your insurance plan for necessary blood or urine testing. Your surgeon will give you the necessary forms. We will schedule you for a preop EKG in our office if one is needed.
What if I lose my referral?
Either call our office, or submit our on-line referral form. We will make a copy of your referral and have it for you at the front desk within 48 hours (two business days). Please do not call us from specialist's office requesting a faxed referral. We are unable to comply with such requests. If you lose your referral or forget it, you will need to reschedule your appointment.
How can I get the results of my tests or x-rays?
When the tests are ordered, tell your doctor how you want to get the results. We can email you, telephone you, or schedule a follow up visit to discuss the results. If we are to call you, please let us know if we can leave you voice mail. It is often difficult to catch up with busy patients! Unless the doctor tells you, don't call the next day for results. We rarely have results that soon.
How can I get a copy of my medical record?
We will make a single copy to send to another physician's office at no charge
to you. If you desire your own copy we will make one for the charge of $.50
per page. This charge also applies to copies made for lawyers and insurance
companies. You can get an estimate of the charge for your chart by calling our
office manager or sending email to
How can I find out what my copay is?
First look carefully at your card. If the information is not on your card you should call the member services department of your plan.
Why can't I be billed for my copay?
We are required by insurers to collect this amount at the time of the visit.
Why can't I get through faster to the office by telephone?
We make every effort to answer calls as quickly as possible. We get a large number of calls every day and can't answer them all immediately. There are some things you can do to help: