General

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by calling the clinic at 308-381-0162, by requesting an appointment through the patient portal if you have signed up, or you can make an appointment in person at the clinic.

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

You should always bring your ID and your current insurance card and any required co-pay amount. Current insurance information is necessary for claims submission. A list of your current medications, vitamins and/or herbal supplements. You may also bring your medication bottles if you wish.

Why do I have to tell the receptionist the reason for my visit?

You need to tell the receptionist the reason for your visit so enough time can be allowed for your appointment.

What if I need to cancel my appointment or can't make it?

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the office 308-381-0162 prior to your appointment so another patient may be scheduled. Every effort is made to adhere to the appointment schedule, however, due to emergencies, this is not always possible.

What if I do not speak English?

We have Spanish interpreters on site. We also have phone interpretation services available with several other languages.

What happens if I run out of my prescription?

Refills are done Monday – Friday, 8am-4pm. Prescriptions are electronically filled through the electronic health record (EHR). Medications will not be refilled after hours (including weekends, evenings and holidays). Please contact your pharmacy to request refills.

Are you open on the weekend?

We are not open on the weekends. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm. 

 

Do you offer after-hours care?

Yes, we have a provider on call 24/7. If you call after hours, the answering service will take your name, phone number, and nature of your call. They will contact the on-call provider who will call you back. If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

Insurance

Why is my insurance asked for every time I come in?

We want to make sure we have the most up-to-date information to process claims on your behalf.

What is an EOB?

An EOB is an Explanation of Benefits. This document is typically mailed or emailed to you from your insurance company. It explains what medical services were paid by the insurance company and what portion is your financial responsibility.

I received my EOB but do not agree with how the insurance processed the claim.

Call your insurance company to inquire about your claim. If you still have questions after calling the insurance company, please give us a call and we would be happy to help.

TCM

Why is someone calling me after my Emergency Department (ED) visit?

You should expect a call from our office within seven days of an ED visit, unless you already have a follow-up appointment scheduled or are following up with a specialist. This call is intended to ensure your health issue is improving or has resolved, to identify any unmet needs or answer any questions you may have regarding medication.

Why is someone calling me after my hospital stay?

The Transition Coordinator will review your hospital discharge information and should call you within two business days of your discharge. She will discuss your health status, medications, appointments and any home services. This allows us to identify any misunderstandings, discrepancies, duplications, concerns or unmet needs and allows you to get the best care possible and helps to prevent readmission to the hospital.

Why do I need to have a follow-up visit after my hospital stay?

Following up with your primary care provider has been shown to reduce readmissions, ED visits and mortality.

Lab

What are the hours of operation?

Laboratory and x-Ray services are available during normal clinic hours.

Do I need to have an appointment for labs?

To give the best service to both our walk in patients and those who are scheduled for an apt, we prefer that you have an appointment for walk in lab. Our front desk staff can help check you in when you arrive. 

Do I have to have an order by my provider or can I request my own lab tests?

All laboratory and x-ray orders are required to have been ordered by a licensed provider.

How long does it take to receive test results?

Most of our in-house test will result to the provider the same day. Depending upon the type of test ordered and if it is sent to a reference laboratory, results may take 24-72 hours.

Can I have a copy of my test results?

Following the review of your test results by the provider, you may request to have a copy of your results mailed to you or sent through the patient portal. Laboratory staff are not at liberty to release lab results to the patient.

Do I need to fast before I have my lab drawn?

Not all tests require you to be fasting. Fasting means you should not consume ANY foods or liquids, other than water, for 9-12 hours before your lab draw.

X-Ray

How long does an x-ray procedure take?

General x-ray exams take about 5-15 minutes to perform.

How much risk (radiation) is involved in having an x-ray procedure?

The risk of radiation by an x-ray procedure is equivalent to the natural radiation exposure you get camping out in nature for 10 days.

Do I need to remove my jewelry/watch before an x-ray?

We do ask you to remove any jewelry, metals, or hard plastics (snaps, bra clasps) in the area to be x-rayed.

Will my pacemaker/defibrillator interfere with the x-ray procedure?

No, radiation has no effect or magnetic properties.