Patients are responsible for providing accurate, up-to-date information. You can update your insurance, personal and medical information from within “My Health Record” in this website. As you may have several physicians, this information can change without the treating doctor being aware of these changes. We ask that you login prior to any scheduled appointment to keep this information current.
You will need to request in writing if you want to have copies of your records sent to another doctor or organization. You will need to include the specific dates of service, medical information requested and the reason for this request. Your signed request for release of records will need to be received before records are sent. We use a copying service, Photostat, which copies records weekly. There is a $32.50 charge for copies of records sent to the patient.
>50% of outgoing referrals you must generate a CCDA in patient search by name, once created CCDA found in EMR all note. New box for new referral
There is a fee of $20 for any check returned by the bank.
Do not take aspirin, vitamin E, ibuprofen, or any pain or anti-inflammatory medications for one week prior to surgery. Most pain medications can increase bleeding so it is important that you let your doctor know if you have taken any of these medications. You may take Tylenol. If you are on coumadin or any other blood thinner, you must see your internist to make sure you are off this medication before surgery. You will need medical clearance from your internist if you are over 65 or if you have any medical problems. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to surgery unless instructed otherwise. Please check with your insurance company for surgery approval or second opinion. Any co-payment, co-insurance or deductible is your responsibility. If you have any questions as to whether the hospital, anesthesiologist or pathologist participate with your insurance plan please call them to check. You may find their telephone numbers if you call the Hospital. If they do not participate, you may be responsible for the bill from these other healthcare providers. Call the hospital after 3:00 PM the day before surgery to find out the time you will need to be in the hospital. Ask for same day surgery.
We are a participating provider with the following insurance companies. If you have questions regarding billing, please call the office during normal business hours for referral to the billing department.
Our practice participates in many insurance plans. An updated list is available on this web site or by contacting our office. Since each plan has different requirements and coverage limitations and exclusions, it is the responsibility of the patient to understand and meet the requirements of their individual plan. Most patients will have a “co-pay” (a portion of their charges which is not covered by insurance). Those covered by Medicare and some other insurance plans may have “deductibles” as well. Many insurance plans and Medicare do not consider “routine” check-ups (those performed without regard to a specific medical problem) or “screening” laboratory studies to be covered services. Co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles and non-covered charges are payable at the time services are rendered. Our billing staff is available to assist you with questions you may have about coverage conditions and payment arrangements. We accept payment by cash, personal check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please go directly to the nearest emergency room, (by ambulance if appropriate), and advise the staff that you are our patient. If you are having a medical problem after hours or on Weekendss and Holidays, please call the regular office number. The doctor on call will be contacted through the answering service.
Your Prescription for Health
Eat Right – 5 a day of fresh fruits and vegetables, lots of fiber, lean meats, chicken, turkey and fish. No junk food, no fast food (salads are a great substitute for French fries). If you do not feel well, chances are you are not eating well!! Do not underestimate the power of healthy eating, or the ability of eating the wrong thing to make you feel badly!! Please visit Healthy Approach Market for nutritional counseling with Bryan Bradford CN (817-399-9100)
Drink lots of water – it should be your main beverage of the day. Limit caffeine to one a day if you must. Avoid artificial sweeteners, they are thought to increase PMS as well as other health problems
Weight loss – If you are doing the top 3 you WILL lose weight. In a nutshell, eat protein at EVERY meal, moderate carbohydrates and fats, and fruits, veggies and water at EVERY meal. If you can do this, you will lose weight.
Exercise – 30 minutes of cardio a day to maintain weight, 1 hour a day to lose weight. Pilates and Yoga are great for sculpting and toning. Exercise On Demand with cable and satellite – lots of great options for quick workouts.
Safety – wear your seatbelt, drive the speed limit, wear sunscreen, pick good friends, no drinking and driving, no smoking, don’t walk alone at night
Safer Sex – abstinence is best, but use condoms every single time if sexually active. Remember, you are with every partner your partner has been with, and every partner they have been with and so on. ….That’s a lot of exposure to warts, herpes, chlamydia, HPVand don’t forget HIV!!
HPV – Human Papilloma Virus. It is sexually transmitted. Over 100 strains of the virus. A few strains cause abnormal pap smears, a few strains cause genital warts. Guys pass it to you not knowing they have it. A vaccine for the four main strains of the virus is available for women ages 9-26. It takes 3 injections over 6 months total. It provides 99% protection in preventing pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix and 100% protection against genital warts.
Pap smears – every year once sexually active or age 18 whichever comes first. Papsure it optional, it allows us to see your cervix with a special light and microscope. It can pick up things a pap can miss. Probably worth the money.
Birth Control Options – The pill, patch, ring and shot can be used for birth control or to help control heavy or painful periods, or acne. This is a personal as well as medical decision. Side effects also can include weight gain, breast tenderness and headaches. The weight gain is caused from increased eating, so if you eat right, you won’t necessarily gain weight. If you are on Depo Provera you must take Calcium every day to prevent bone loss.
Vitamins – a good multivitamin, calcium 1000mg a day total (diet and supplements in divided doses), Fruits & Veggies if not obtained from diet (Juice Plus, Nature’s Way). B Complex for energy, essential fatty acids (fish oils) for helping with brain function, Vitamin C 1000mg a day for anti-oxidant.
Depression is more than just feeling sad for hours or a few days. It’s a feeling of ‘the blues’ or hopelessness that makes it hard to get through the day.
You may be depressed if you:
Have felt sad for a long time.
Do not enjoy things that you used to
Sleep more or less than usual
Had a change in your appetite causing you to lose weight or gain weight.
Thought about death or killing yourself.
Your doctor wants to help you with your depressions!
Depression is very serious.
Your depression can also be painful for your friends and family members.
If you like hurting yourself, call 911!
What I can do for my depression?
Get help.
Talk with a counselor, a friend or someone in your place of worship.
Exercise or walk every day.
Stop smoking, stop drinking alcohol;
Make an appointment with your doctor’s office or clinic.
If you are given medicine:
Take the medicine every day. It can take several weeks for the medicine to work.
Even if you are feeling better, do not stop taking your medicine.
Sometimes you may need two medicines.
Reference: Heath TiPS from the ACP Foundation. American College of Physicians. Internal Medicine. http://www.acponline.org/patients_families/products/health_tips/
