The office maintains patient appointments based on patient clinical need, patient preference, clinical staff availability, and time requirements for the type of appointment.
The office provides clinical services by appointment 8 hours daily, 5 days a week. Office hours are posted on the front door and reviewed with patients during their office visit. All patients have access to a physician on-call 24-hours a day. In emergency situations, patients are referred to the nearest emergency room.
During the week (Monday through Friday), patients needing appointments after hours, are referred to the on-call physician.
Office appointments should follow the guidelines shown below:
|
Type of Appointment/Definition |
Guideline for Scheduling Appointment |
|
Annual Health Physical Examination. Comprehensive annual examination and physical appropriate for age and gender of patient. |
Available within 30 days. Annual physicals require a 30-minute appointment. |
|
Routine Care. Patients visit for routine preventive care other than a comprehensive physical examination. |
Available within 14 days. Routine appointments require a 15-minute appointment. |
|
Non-Urgent Examination. Conditions requiring clinical examination for patient complaints, signs, and symptoms of illness, with no immediate threat to the patient. |
Available within 2 days, depending on patient circumstance. |
|
Urgent Examination. Conditions requiring medical intervention on the same day. |
Available within the same day or within 4 hours. |
|
Emergency Care/Situation. Life-threatening or other conditions for which the patient needs to be seen immediately |
Available immediately, or patient is referred to nearest emergency room. |
Appointment Reminders
Call patients to remind them of regularly scheduled appointments 2 business days prior to their appointment. When applicable, send an e-mail or text reminder as well.