We are changing our walk-in policy to same/next day appointments (Effective 01/01/2012)
Dear patient:
We appreciate the opportunity to serve your health care needs while understanding your time is important as well. We are making changes in our appointment policy in order to reduce the wait time for you and other patients.
1. When you call in, we will ask you to choose the time to walk-in (same/next day appointment). You still can make an advance appointment as usual.
2. Please let staff know if you have medical urgency that requires you to be seen sooner. Remember that we are not an urgent care center, and remember to call 911/Emergency room if you think you have a medical emergency or life threatening situation.
{Some examples of medical urgency are acute pain, severe headache, wheezing, open wound (Laceration), animal bite etc...Yes, we can see you… Some examples of emergency (where you rather go to ER/call 911): chest pain, cannot breath, major injuries, possible fractures, excruciating headache, excruciating other pain, possible stroke or heart attack, losing consciousness etc.}
3. Please come in at least 15 minutes early to finish paper work (if any) and to allow front desk to process your visit. (Account review, insurance verification etc)
4. Please call ahead (24 hours in advance) if you need to reschedule or cancel.
5. Please know that doctor/staff may ask you to schedule another visit for your significant other non-urgent problems, PE etc. in order to reduce the wait time for you and others.
6. It is Ok for you to reschedule if your wait time is longer and unacceptable to you for non-urgent problem(s).
7. Please handle appointment issues & other questions about you or family members at front desk. For question(s) directed for doctor, front desk will take a message for the doctor who then will call you later.
8. Remember that all patients’ phone calls (including after- hour calls) for your medical question(s) and refill requests are handled by just one assigned provider/doctor, and you may expect your return phone calls (or take action on your refill request) within 1-2 business days unless medically urgent.
Improving your care and reducing your wait time is a partnership amongst patients, providers and staff.