Patients are seen by appointment only.
Please try to call as early as possible to reserve a time. If you cannot keep your scheduled appointment, we ask that you give our office at least 24 hours notice to reschedule. This gives us the opportunity to use the time for another patient who may be in need of care.
To help save time and get the care you need:
1. Be familiar with our policies
2. Know whether your health insurance covers the visit
3.
Block out at least one hour on your calendar for the visit plus travel time
4. Download and fill out new patient forms
YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT...
As a new patient, the doctor will want to obtain as much information about you as possible. Our rheumatologists will review notes from your referring physician, listen to your history, take a careful and detailed physical examination, and interpret your relevant test results. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, there are certain laboratory and x-ray procedures that may be done at the time of your initial appointment.
You will probably be scheduled for a return appointment to review test results. All of these results will be combined to determine the source of a patient’s symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment recommendations may include medications, referral to physical therapy, referral to other specialists, or joint/tendon injections. Some rheumatic diseases can be difficult to diagnose and may require several visits for the rheumatologist to fully understand the underlying process.
During follow-up appointments, rheumatologists may treat reoccurring conditions or talk with patients about medications, coping mechanisms, techniques for preventing disability or regaining function, and ways to improve their quality of life.
Refills, Tests and Follow-up visits...
We are a consultative specialty practice. Our physicians will communicate frequently with your referring physician and will assist in managing your rheumatology care. If you do not have a primary care physician, our office will assist you in finding a physician.
If we prescribe medications to treat your illness, you will be informed of the the possible risks and expected benefits of all treatments. Refills will be handled during office hours and we ask that all refill requests be received from your pharmacy before Friday. The best time to obtain prescription refills is during your scheduled office visit. Refill requests will not be granted on weekends.
Insurance and Financial Information:
Our office participates with Medicare and many PPO and HMO plans. We partner with the Brown & Toland medical network of providers. If your plan requires a referral, you are responsible for obtaining proper referral from your physician. Please have your insurance information readily available when calling for an appointment so that you may be scheduled appropriately.