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FAQ
Patient Info / FAQ
 

Office Policies and Procedures

We are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We close from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM daily for lunch. We are closed on holidays.
As the use of cell phones has grown, we have become aware of how intrusive they are in a medical practice, interfering with communication between the patient and staff. For the privacy of our all our patients, we request that all cell phones be turned off or silenced after you arrive at our office. Thank you for your understanding.
You can always call the office during office hours to make an appointment. We also have an appointment request feature which you can use on our website. Please be courteous and call us 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment.
Refill requests are accepted during office hours only or by filling out the request form here (portal account required). Please do not contact the doctor when the office is closed for a refill, unless running out of your medication poses a risk. To arrange a refill, pleae call your pharmacy and ask them to contact our office. They can fax or leave a message on our phone line 24/7 (941-485-5700).
Pap smear and other lab results usually return from the lab within 5-7 business days. We will contact you with results only for an abnormality or when specifically requested. We always welcome your call if you would like to hear your results directly.

We communicate all other test results, such as mammograms, blood work, etc., by phone or appointment when they dictate a more extensive discussion. If there is a result you are concerned about, please call us after 5 business days and we will track down the results if available and inform you.
We understand that at times a family member might have questions for us or would like to discuss a test result. Due to legal and ethical issues regarding patient confidentiality, we are unable to do this. Patients are entitled to strict confidentiality, and we do our best to maintain this. If you would like us to freely discuss your test results, etc. with a family member, please make sure you indicate that on the Patient Authorizations and Office Policies form. This form will be considered valid until you revoke the permission in writing.

Financial Policies

We accept cash, checks, and credit cards Visa and Mastercard. Unless otherwise advised, your payment/copay is due at the time of service.
We are participating providers for most major insurance companies. Please feel free to call the office and check with one of the staff to make sure we accept your current plan. (941-485-5700) As a courtesy, we will be glad to bill insurance for you, but you are responsible for all amounts not covered by insurance, other than insurance-required contractual adjustments. Co-pays are due at the time of service.
Our office does not file to secondary insurance. If you have Medicare as your primary insurance and your secondary does not automatically crossover, then it is your responsibility to pay any balance not paid by your secondary. You may then file to your secondary for reimbursement.
If your insurance requires authorization for office visits it is your responsibility to obtain this from your primary care physician. All appointments requiring authorization will be rescheduled if an authorization is not on file.

Patient’s Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

1.  I have the right to receive appropriate informed consent in advance of any treatment (test, prescription, procedure or surgery) being performed on me. This means that I will be informed of the reasons for the treatment, the alternatives, the risks and benefits of the treatment, and the risks if I choose not to have this treatment.

2.  I have the right to privacy. This means that all information about my health and in my medical record is absolutely confidential, and cannot be disclosed to any other individual or organization, except when I give my written permission, or when disclosure is mandated by law.

3.  I have a right to receive a complete copy of my medical record in a timely fashion upon my written request, and I agree to pay a reasonable fee for the work involved in providing me this copy.

4.  I have the right to be seen in a timely manner. I will be informed of any lengthy delay and have a right to reschedule.

5.  I have the right to be informed in a timely manner of all test results if requested.

6.  If I have an urgent medical condition, I have the right to speak to someone when I call and to be seen as soon as possible based on my condition.