Frequently Asked Questions

 

How should I prepare for my new patient visit with the doctor?

Bring a detailed list of any symptoms or problems that are prompting the visit, including when they started.

Bring a list of the medications, vitamins, or supplements (including herbal ones) that you are taking.

Jot down in advance any questions you want to ask or issues you need to have the doctor clarify.

Arrive on time.

Arrive early if your insurance requires a copayment, and please make it before you check in at the appointment desk..

Advise your doctor of any changes to your health history, such as weight loss or gain, modifications to diet, new exercise program, altered sleep patterns, etc.

When you leave, ask your doctor when you should be seen again.

Schedule future appointments and tests before you leave.

If you need to cancel your appointment for any reason, be sure to call 24 hours to avoid a no show fee and to be rescheduled.

 

Who can I talk to about a complaint?

Service excellence is PrimeMED's number one priority. You can always ask to speak to the supervisor when you have an experience that you feel is less than excellent. We encourage you to take this step for immediate resolution of any problem or issue.

 

How can I get a copy of my medical records?

All requests for copies of medical records should be directed to the Release of Information area in the Medical Records Department between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. All requests are processed within three to five days after the appropriate completed release forms have been received.

Fees have been established for the copying of medical records in accordance with legislation enacted by the State of Florida in September of 2001. Fees will vary depending on the volume of the records requested. Contact the Medical Records Department at 904-269-0500 ext. 322 to determine the exact costs for the records you need.

Click here to download an English version of the authorization form.

 

What is a physician assistant?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals trained and licensed to practice medicine as delegated by and with the supervision of a physician. PAs are qualified by graduation from an accredited PA program and/or by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). In the health care setting, a PA can take a complete health history, perform physical exams, order diagnostic tests, prescribe most medications, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, and provide patient education and preventive health care counseling. Along with handling most routine medical problems, PAs can do more extensive procedures that fall within their specialties. The initials PA-C after their surname means the physician assistant is certified and has passed the certification exam developed jointly by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the NCCPA.

 

What is the difference between an MD and a DO?

MD stands for Medical Doctor and DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both have four years of undergraduate and four years of basic medical education. Both must pass similar state licensing exams after completing a residency. Both practice in fully accredited and licensed medical centers and hospitals. A DO has additional training in the musculoskeletal system with a greater focus on the body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles, and bones, and the root or cause of a problem. A DO uses manipulative treatment such as soft tissue techniques and massage therapy to help improve circulation and mobility and therefore promote healing. Because DOs practice a "whole person" approach to medicine, most are general practitioners. However, a DO can enter into a specialty, such as cardiology or orthopedics, just as an MD can.

 

Will Medicare pay for a routine yearly physical examination?

Medicare does not cover the cost of routine exams by your physician or any tests related to the routine physical. As of January 1, 2005, however, Medicare will cover one initial preventive physical exam in a lifetime for patients newly eligible for Medicare within the first six months of beginning their coverage. When calling for an appointment, please let the receptionist know you want to schedule a "Welcome to Medicare exam." Medicare Part B also covers one screening mammogram per year for female beneficiaries.

Medicare generally covers items that are considered medically necessary. "Medically necessary" is defined as a service, treatment, procedure, equipment, drug, device, or supply provided by a hospital, physician, or other health care provider that is required to identify or treat a beneficiary's illness or injury. Some treatments, however, may be limited by Medicare guidelines.

 

What if I become ill after hours or on a weekend or holiday?

Should you have a none life threatening medical situation after normal office hours, call 904-269-0500 and it will direct to our on call phone. If it is an medical emergency call 911.

 

When are lab results reported?

All lab results are reviewed by the physician or nurse practitioner as soon as they are available, generally within 3-4 days after ordering. Abnormalities of major significance are reported by phone at that time. Normal lab results are usually communicated in writing. Please allow 2 weeks for normal results.

 

Should I call for my lab results?

If it has been 2 weeks since your lab test and you have not heard from us, please feel free to call our office.

 

Should I take my medicines before an office visit?

We want you always to take medicines before a visit, even if you are fasting. The exception is for diabetes. If you are fasting and have diabetes, do not take your blood sugar medicine.

 

Should I bring my medicines?

We like our patients to know the names and doses of their medicines. To be sure of your regimen, please bring all your medicine bottles, including medicines from other providers and non-prescription medications and supplements, to your visits.

 

Why do I need to show my insurance card every time that I come to the office?

We want to keep you satisfied as a patient. By presenting your card every visit we can make sure that the information is still correct in the computer system before the claim is dropped to the insurance company. Getting a claim paid can be very difficult to resolve with incorrect billing information. Additionally, most businesses change insurance carriers yearly and it is not always in January. Sometimes only the group number will change and the remainder of the information will stay the same. Something this simple can cause a denial of your office claim. We want to work together to make sure that you receive your insurance benefit.

 

Is there handicap access?

The building is handicap accessible. Special parking spots are available. We also have a wheelchair onsite if you need to borrow one while you are here for your visit.