Appointment Questions

Q: Why, at times, do patients get called in prior to me when I have a scheduled appointment?
Q: What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Q: How do I obtain medical services after your office is closed?

Billing Questions

Q: What insurance do you accept?
Q: How can I pay for my services?

General Info Questions

Q: What is an internist?
Q: What is a nephrologist?
Q: What is a nurse practitioner?
Q: What is a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.)?

Privacy Questions

Q: How can I be sure my medical records are kept confidential?
Q: What is your privacy policy?

Medication Questions

Q: How do I get a refill on my medication?
Q: Should I bring my medications with me to my office visit?


Q: Do you provide lab testing?
Q: How will I be notified of my lab results?
Q: When is the best time to discuss a referral to a specialist?
Q: If I am in need of hospitalization, where will I be admitted?
 
 
Q: How can I be sure my medical records are kept confidential?
A: Internal Medicine Group has established policies in place to ensure that your medical records and other personal information is handled in a professional and private manner. You will be provided a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices for Protected Health Information when you come into our offices that outlines the policy in detail. You may also view this policy by clicking on Privacy Policy on the left. You always have the option to limit the use of your information and we will accommodate reasonable requests regarding methods to communicate your private information to outside sources. Maintaining the privacy of your health information is an important matter to us.
Q: Do you provide lab testing?
A: We provide laboratory and x-ray testing in our office for the convenience of the patient if your insurance company permits. We also have Bone Density testing available.
Q: How will I be notified of my lab results?
A: All normal test results will be mailed to you within 7-10 working days. You will be notified of any abnormal testing by phone and may be asked to schedule an office visit to discuss with your physician.
Q: What insurance do you accept?
A: We accept many insurances including HMOs, PPOs, POSs, Medicare assignment and Medicaid. If you are coming to our office for the first time, we will need to see your insurance card and current driver's license and will request those at each visit. You will be expected to pay your deductible and/or co-payment at the time of services. Co-payment will be collected at the time of sign-in. We will be happy to file primary and secondary insurance one time as a courtesy to you.
Q: How can I pay for my services?
A: Payment is expected at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made with the collection department. We accept cash, check, Visa and Mastercard for you convenience.
Q: Why, at times, do patients get called in prior to me when I have a scheduled appointment?
A: We try to follow our appointment schedule and not the order of sign-ins, so it could be they made an earlier appointment. As a result there may be times we may call patients out of order. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to divert attention to severely ill patients that present life threatening emergencies. We ask for your understanding when that happens. We will keep you informed of delays so that you may reschedule your appointment if necessary.
Q: What if I need to cancel my appointment?
A: We would appreciate at least 24 hours notice if you are unable to keep your doctor's appointment by calling (270) 441-4283. The line is answered at all times and by voice main after office hours. If you wish to cancel or reschedule a lab appointment, you may do so by calling (270) 441-4149 after 1 p.m.
Q: Should I bring my medications with me to my office visit?
A: Yes. The physicians or nurse practitioner will want to confirm the medications you are taking.
Q: When is the best time to discuss a referral to a specialist?
A: The best time to discuss a referral is at your office visit, because many insurance companies require additional paperwork or phone calls to authorize a referral. We ask that you let your physician or nurse know at the time of your appointment.
Q: If I am in need of hospitalization, where will I be admitted?
A: Our physicians and nurse practitioners admit at both Lourdes Hospital and Western Baptist Hospital for your convenience.
Q: What is an internist?
A: Of all primary care physician, "doctors of internal medicine" (also called "Internists") are unique in our focus on adult medicine. We spend all our time diagnosing and treating adults in a variety of settings. In today's complex world, we aim to take care of our patients for life - in the office, during hospitalization, intensive care, and in nursing homes. At least three of our seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. We continue updating our education by continually updating our knowledge in many areas, including diseases of the heart, cancer, diabetes, digestive diseases, hormonal disorders, infections, kidney diseases, respiratory diseases, allergies, blood diseases and arthritis.
Q: What is a nephrologist?
A: A nephrologist is a physician extensively trained in the field of Nephrology. Nephrology is a branch of medicine that specializes in kidney-related disorders and diseases. Nephrologist's focus is on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases such as kidney failure, nephritis and electrolyte disorders. In addition to being Board Certified in Internal Medicine, ouyr Nephrologists complete specialty training in the area of Nephrology. By using medication, therapies and two different modees of dialysis treatments, they can diagnose and treat a multitide of kidney-related disorders. Nephrologists also refer patients for kidney transplantation, perform the necessary lab work-up and continue to care for the transplant patient after surgery.
Q: What is a nurse practitioner?
A: A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) who has a master's degree in nursing and two years of advanced clinical training in a health care specialty area. Nurse practitioners work under the rules and regulations of the Nurse Practitioners Act of the state in which they work. Most nurse practitioners are also board certified in their specialty area. They are recognized as expert health care providers and work with people of all ages and their families. Nurse practitioners deliver individualized care, focusing not only on the health problems, but also on the effects health problems have on people and their families. They also provide advice to people who need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices.
Q: What is a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.)?
A: D.O.s are complete physicians. That means they are fully trained and licensed to prescribe medication and to perform surgery. D.O.s and allopathic physicians (M.D.s) are the only two types of complete physicians in the United States. The osteopathic curriculum involves four years of academic study emphasizing primary care with a focus on preventive medicine and comprehensive patient care. After completion of osteopathic medical school, D.O.s complete a year of general medical/surgical training as an internship. This ensures that all osteopathic physicians are first trained as primary care physicians holding to the profession's focus. D.O.s then proceed to complete their training with primary care or specialty residencies. D.O. physicians practice in all fields of medicine such as psychiatry, emergency medicine, medical and surgical subspecialties. However, D.O.s are trained to be generalists first, and specialists second. The majority are family-oriented, primary care physicians. D.O.s practice a "whole person" approach to medicine. Instead of just treating specific symptoms or illnesses, they assess the overall health of their patients including home and work environments. They receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system — your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of its body mass. This training provides osteopathic physicians with a better understanding of the ways that an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another.
Q: How do I get a refill on my medication?
A: All medications are generally refilled at the time of your office visit and will be refilled to last until your next scheduled visit. If you need a refill in the interim, please call our office and allow 48 hours to refill your medication. Always specify the name of the medication, amount you need (30 day or 90 day supply), the number where you can be reached and the name of your pharmacy. We will not fill or call in any prescriptions for narcotic medicines after regular office hours.
Q: How do I obtain medical services after your office is closed?
A: Our group offers several alternatives for patients who need after hours care. Our office phones are connected to a telephone answering service who can page the physician on call. Should you have an urgent situation, you may contact our physicians on call by dialing our main number, 270-441-4200. We also provide an after hours walk-in center called RediCare. RediCare is located on the first floor of the Lourdes Medical Pavilion, Suite 101. There is a physician and staff of nurses on duty Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. RediCare offers full laboratory and radiologic exams including CT scanning, MRI, x-rays, ultrasound, vascular and cardiology testing. Finally, you may also choose to visit either Lourdes or Western Baptist Hospital's emergency room.
Couldn't find the answer to your question? Send an with your general question to . If you wish to speak to one of our staff or if you have a medical question, please call our office at (270) 441-4200.