FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An appointment can be scheduled by calling our office.  In most cases, we are able to see urgent problems on the same day.  If you are sick, please call as early in the day as possible so that we can schedule you to be seen.  Appointments for physicals and surgical procedures are usually booked 3-4 weeks in advance, so please be sure to call ahead of time especially during the summer when students are returning to school.

• Health insurance card
• Copayment, if applicable
• List of all current medications and their dosages
• Immunization records from pediatrician or previous physician(s)
• If you are a new patient, please have all forms completed prior to visit so that we may serve you promptly. Remember, these forms are available online.

Please call the office during normal business hours if you need to cancel.  We require at least a 24-hour notice of cancellation so that we can offer that time to another patient.  A $50 routine visit and $75 physical, wellness visit charge is made to your account for failure to cancel.

A Limestone Primary Care Physician is available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  After hours, please call the office and you will be prompted to leave a message for the physician.  You must leave a number to be called back at; if you have a caller-ID block, it must be turned off.  Routine prescription refills will not be made when the office is closed.

FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES CALL 911

Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are healthcare professionals licensed to diagnose and treat medical problems, order and interpret tests, provide preventive health information, assist in surgical procedures, and prescribe medications.  Both work under the supervision of a Physician.

You can request to be seen by a PA or NP when making your appointment.  You may also be seen by one depending on the availability of physicians, the nature of the illness or condition and how soon you would like an appointment.

We ask that you call your doctor before going to see a specialist.

A referral should be discussed with your PCP at the time of your visit. You may not be aware that your provider has the knowledge and skill to diagnose and treat your condition.

You will be referred to a specialist when you require care that your Primary Care Physician or “Team” member  cannot provide.

If we do refer you to a specialist, we would like you to be aware that our Physicians have agreements in place with specialists who provide the most cost effective and highest quality of care in our area. We are able to provide them with the pertinent medical information they will need to treat you without duplication of testing. They will also communicate with your primary care physician so we are up-to-date with your progress.

Most insurance companies require that you obtain a referral from your primary care doctor prior to seeing a specialist.  More often than not, these conditions can be evaluated and treated by your family physician and do not require a referral to a specialist.  It is important that you are aware of your insurance company’s policy regarding referrals and that you call in advance of your appointment to obtain one.  After reviewing your request, you will be notified within 3 business days if there are any problems processing your request.

You must call prior to scheduling an appointment with a specialist that does not participate with your insurance plan.  Your physician may ask that you come in to discuss the need for a referral.  Generally, it takes several days to receive a response from most insurance companies.  When placing your request, please be sure to have the following information:

• Specialist’s name and address
• Phone and fax number
• Tax ID number

We send all prescriptions electronically to your designated pharmacy. We will not write any prescriptions for new patients until you are seen in our office to establish care and your previous medical records are received and reviewed by your new Provider. Future refill requests for routine or maintenance medication will come to us from your pharmacy. Your pharmacy will contact us electronically when you are due for your medication. Prescription refills are authorized by your Provider or the covering Provider, within 24 business hours.

Medications that are taken for chronic conditions (ex: high blood pressure, diabetes, depression) need to be periodically evaluated by your physician for both effectiveness and safety; this can only be accomplished during an office visit.  Lab tests are frequently also needed.  If your physician feels that you require an appointment for further refills, you will be notified by the office.

Many insurance companies are now requiring patients to use mail order pharmacies; our office is able to electronically submit your prescriptions on your behalf.  Please note that it may take 1-2 weeks for you to receive your medications from them.

It is our office policy to refill prescriptions during office hours only.

No prescriptions will be filled outside normal office hours, except for emergencies.  Lost prescriptions are rarely considered to be an emergency. No prescriptions for narcotic medications will be filled for patients by the physician on call.

Please contact our office if you have a billing question.  If we are unable to help you, we can direct you to our billing service, HealthTec Solutions at 716-639-0155.