FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why do you charge for my records?
Due to the increasing costs in the healthcare industry, we have found it necessary to charge $10 to copy a patient chart and forward the records to the patient. We will forward your records directly to another practitioner as a courtesy.

How do we know how much to collect for surgeries and obstetrical services?
Our practice verifies your benefits once a quarter to insure that we have the most up to date information. We pre-collect for all major services by utilizing the insurance information that we obtain when your appointment is scheduled. We collect any deductibles, copays and coinsurance ahead of time to streamline the collections process and prevent our patients from accruing bad debt.

What happens if I forget to bring my insurance card to my appointment?
Although it is a good practice to present your insurance card at each appointment, we obtain your insurance information at the time of the appointment to avoid these types of issues. As long as our practice was able to contact your insurance company ahead of time, you do not have to worry about presenting your card. If we have any issues contacting your insurance company we will make every effort to contact you.

If I am receiving an ultrasound do I have to drink 40 ounces of water?
No. We do not require any additional fluid intake for an ultrasound.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?
It is a good idea to have your current insurance card, your copay or coinsurance, and a copy of your records if you are a transferring patient.

What do I do if I can’t contact my physician?
If there is ever a telephone power outage and our telephone systems are not functioning, you can always call the hospital as they have each practitioners pager and cell phone. Never fear, the hospital can always find the on call doctor.

Who will deliver my baby?
Although you will have a primary physician that will monitor your care during the course of your pregnancy, any of our three physicians could be at the delivery when you go into labor. Our practice makes it a policy that every patient have an opportunity to meet each physician at least once so that on the day that you go into labor, you are familiar with the person who is present for your special day!

How many obstetrical ultrasounds will I receive?
The number of ultrasounds is determined by our physicians. In a typical patient, they receive an intitial ultrasound at their first ob visit and then a detailed anatomical survey at their 20th week of pregnancy. Additional ultrasounds may be necessary as determined by your physician.

Can I still have my pap smear if I am on my period?
It is best to reschedule you physical exam if you are on your period. The pathologists at the lab reviews your pap smear to detect any abnormal pre-cancerous cells. Blood that is present on the cells will skew his/her ability to properly read the pap smear. Feel free to contact our office and we will be happy to reschedule your appointment.

If I have a vaginal infection should I use over-the-counter creams to treat what I believe is the problem?
If you are susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections you may find that over-the-counter creams will treat the symptoms that you are having. If you find that you are still experiencing discharge or are still concerned, please keep in mind that we will not be able to accurately view the vagina until the creams are no longer present in the vagina. Call our office and speak with a nurse if you are unsure or have any further questions.

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