Office Procedures

Office Procedures

Will I have to wait a long time?

Because your time is important, we want to keep your waiting time to a minimum. When you call, tell the receptionist all of the reasons for your office visit, so that she can provide ample time with the doctor. We pay special attention to scheduling, so please make sure that you also arrive on time for your visits.

We make every effort to see people who are acutely ill on the day they call for an office visit. We also will try to fit the acutely injured patient into our schedule, however, on these days our office may run behind.

What if I need an appointment today?

Conditions indicating a need for an appointment for today or the next day: recent injuries or illness with fever or otherwise requiring an appointment in the next 24 hours. Such an appointment will be for that acute illness/injury only. Please do not expect additional services (such as refills of other medications) during that appointment time slot.

Should I call in my prescriptions?

Call the pharmacy directly for prescriptions requiring refills. We generally do not refill prescriptions for narcotic pain relievers, tranquilizers, or sleep medications without an office visit. It is not our policy to refill prescriptions for antibiotics. If you still do not feel well after taking your full course of antibiotics, contact our office.

What do I need to know about electronic medical records?

The Village Medical Centers are amongst the first in the nation to use a state-of-the-art computerized medical record system. As such, your medical record can be accessed quickly by any of our physicians from either office location. Prescriptions (and office notes) are typewritten and thus legible.

Therefore we usually will not incorporate into your new medical record the actual handwritten notes from your previous physicians. Instead, we will summarize from the old records the information we need and place it within your new computerized record. Your old paper records can then be passed back to you for your safekeeping.

Confidentiality of medical information is one of the cornerstones of the doctor-patient relationship. We take this very seriously. Please do not request medical information about another adult family member.

What do I do on weekends?

When illnesses or accidents occur on evenings, weekends, or holidays, call our office first. If we are closed, our answering service is able to reach the doctor on call at all times. The doctor is often able to make suggestions which will help address your concerns. Sometimes the doctor may make arrangements to meet you at the office. Calling the office first, evenings or weekends may save you time and the expense of going to an emergency room or urgent care center. If the doctor feels you should go to the hospital emergency room, he/she will direct you there. If the situation can wait until the next regularly scheduled office day, the doctor will advise you. Some Managed Healthcare plans require you to notify your primary care physician first before seeking treatment at another facility. In these cases, unless it was a life-threatening situation, your insurance company may deny payment of the claim because it was not approved by your primary care physician. You may then be held responsible for the payment of those charges.

What should I do in an emergency?

An emergency is a life-threatening illness or injury such as a heart attack, uncontrolled bleeding or poisoning. If this is an emergency, you need to be seen immediately and NOT make an appointment, but rather call 911 or proceed to an emergency center. After the emergency has passed, we will provide or oversee your care. For problems that are urgent but not life-threatening, such as sprains, broken bones, fever or stomach pain, call us and we may arrange to see you in the office. If you need to be seen within the next few hours, you should CALL the office for an appointment at 281 292-1192/1191.