When should I arrive for my appointment?
Please make sure that you arrive at the physician’s office at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that you can provide us your photo ID, insurance card information, and necessary paperwork to put you into our system. To save time, you can also print the New Patient Forms in the New Patients section or Annual Physical forms and bring them filled out to your appointment. With your permission, we will also have a form to release records from your previous primary care physician or specialists if you would like to have it uploaded to your chart.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
If you are able, please bring in paper or digital / phone copy, any or all of the following to your appointment: your concerns, medications, specialists, recent blood work, imaging), and anything else you think is relevant. Please see the New Patients section for details.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
No, you do not need a referral to make an appointment. We are currently accepting new patients. However, for your visit to be covered through your insurance, please contact your insurance provider to understand the terms of your policy, including copays and deductibles.
Do I need to come in to the office physically or have my blood pressure and labs checked regularly?
Yes, it is recommended we see you frequently, so we can monitor your blood pressure and other vital signs, aa well as order blood work to be collected in a lab of your choosing. It is also recommended to have annual office preventative or wellness visits with us (once a year) and frequent check-ups (every 3-6 months) if you have additional risk factors, medications, chronic conditions or abnormal labs. The most common risk factors for high blood pressure include your family history or genetics, weight, inactive or sedentary lifestyle, and a high sodium/salt or poor diet.
How is the doctor-patient relationship different here, compared to other hospitals or clinics?
We believe that our staff members are leaders in providing patient-focused care. We take the time to listen to patients’ concerns and address any questions they may have. We value all of our patients and appreciate the long-lasting relationships we create with them. We also with you and respect your wishes so you are both comfortable and confident in the care you receive.
How will I pay for my care?
If you have insurance, please bring in your card and we will collect your co-pay through a variety of options and bill you through your insurance plan. If you are not insured, we require payment at the time of service through our self-pay option. We strive to have all aspects of our practice, including our professional fees, reflect our ethical and rational approach to your care. We can discuss this further by calling our office.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require a 24-hour to 48-hour notice to cancel all appointments, so please be sure to call us if you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment with your medical doctor to avoid having to pay a cancellation fee. If emergenices happen, we understand, so please let us know as well and we can accommodate and reschedule you, depending on your situation. This policy allows for other patients to be seen promptly that would have otherwise had to wait. We appreciate your consideration and communication.
How can I get a hold of my medical doctor?
We take pride in our doctor-patient relationships and schedule availability for you to get your questions answered. If you need to get in touch with us, please call us at 302-368-5003 to leave a message or to schedule an appointment.
What is your refill request policy?
We ask for refill requests to notify us 1 week in advance if possible so you don't run out. At your first visit, we will review your list or physical bottles of medications and old records to make sure it is accurate. *If there are controlled medications that you request us to refill, please bring the bottle of medication or an official record from a previous doctor. This will be discussed at your appointment if we are able to refill it or would need to return for another visit after gathering testing or seeing a specialist. Then, we will go over the policy on refilling and managing controlled medications going forward.
How can I prevent a cold or flu?
Colds and the flus are commonly transmitted through the nose and mouth. To help prevent colds and flus:
- Thoroughly wash your hands.
- Avoid contact with contagious individuals.
- After being in the company of someone with a cold or the flu, make sure not to touch your nose or mouth where the virus could enter.
- Stay current on your yearly flu vaccinations.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- You may need antibiotics if it is not just a viral infection, which we can address at your office visit with us.
How do you notify your patients of lab or test results?
If your labs are normal, we do not typically notify patients. No news is good news. However, if there are abnormal results or you have questions that deserve a discussion, we will call you to make an appointment, either in person or virtually. This is important because we can discuss options and provide a thorough explanation that a message or a quick phone call cannot provide. We are usually able to notify patients of results within 24-48 hours. Please call us for questions about your results even if they are normal or abnormal to clarify, and please sign up for the portal as well and view your results from the website of which lab you went to.
Will I be able to get copies of my test results?
Yes, upon request, we are able to provide you copies with your test results.
Do you allow urgent or same-day appointments?
We do set aside time for urgent visits but you must call us first at 302-368-5003. It is difficult to set aside time for walk-ins without advanced notice, so we appreciate the call. However, if you are having an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
What are your office hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Weekends are variable and by appointment.