Question 1

How do I get in touch with my doctor?

Accepted Answer

The office phone number is (615) 824-4244.  Messages left during the day will be answered by the end of the day.  We ask that you call by 3:30PM to give the provider sufficient time to address questions.  The same number, 824-4244, will reach the answering service after hours and on weekends and holidays.  A provider is on call for our group 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Our providers return calls as soon as possible.  After hours, if you have not been called back within the hour, please call again.  In the event of a life threatening emegency, go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Question 2

How do I get my prescriptions refilled?

Accepted Answer

Please call your pharmacy for refills.  They will contact us.  If you contact us directly, please call before 12 Noon to alllow us time to respond.  Refills will be processed by the end of the day unless there is a proble or question, in which case the office will call you.  If you do not hear from us, check with your pharmacy after 5:30PM.  Narcotics and sedatives (pain pills and nerve pills) are not called in after hours or on weekends.

Question 3

How do I obtain my lab results?

Accepted Answer

Results of lab work and other tests will be provide via phone or mail as soon as results are available and the providr has reveiwed them.  Results can also be viewed on the Patient Portal after the office has talked to yo about the results if you are web enabled.  If you have not reveived your lab results in 2 weeks of lab draw, please call our office.

Question 4

What are the office hours and how do I obtain an appointment?

Accepted Answer

The office is oopen from 8:30AM to 12:30PM and 1:30PM to 5:00PM Monday through Friday.  Blood pressure checks, blood drawing services, and allergy shots are available from 9:00AM to 12:00PM and from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.  We work by appointment.  If you have an emergency or urgent problem, plese call before coming to the office.  This is because some emergency conditions are best treated in settings other than the office.  Also, our schedules vaty and we may be out of the office.
 
When you call for an appointment upu'll be asked the general nature of your problem so that adequate time can be scheduled for your appointment.  Appointments for sick visits, routine follow-ups for chronic illnesses and acute problems are made as soon as possible.  Complete physicals, however, may take up to three months to schedule.  We ask that you make a separarte appointment for each family member who needs to be seen.  We cannot use a patient's office visit to treat or examine accompanying family members.
 
If you call for an urgent or same day appointment, we will always try to accomodate your request even if we must work you into an already full schedule.  Please remember that this type of appointment is meant to be brief and only the urgent concern will be addressed.  Any additional concerns will require a subsequent appointment.  Please try to give us 24 hours notice if you cannot keep an appointment.  Our office calls to remind patients about scheduled appointments.  Please bring your insurance card to every appointment.

Question 5

How will I be responsible for payment of services?

Accepted Answer

Unless prior arrangements are made, payment is expected at the time of service for office charges or insurance co-pays.  We accept cash, checks and major credit cards.  We accept most major insurance plans.  Most plans include co-insurance, a deductible and other expenses which must be paid by the patient.  There is a $20 charge for returned checks.
 
We are frequently asked to rewrite prescriptions due to changes in insurance or pharmacy benifit plans, prepare letters, provide FMLA papers, disability qualifications, etc.  We are happy to assit you with these requests; however, we will ask patients/responsible parties to assume financial responsibility for this additional work.  There is a $20.00 fee for completion of forms not related to an office visit, including forms for day care, employment and pre-employment, FMLA, life insurance, disability and workmans compensation.  Prescriptions not given during office hours, which must be handwritten, printed, or faxed (to an insurance company or other entity) are $5.00 for the first prescription.  Charges may be added or waived at the provider's discretion.
 
Many insurance plans require prior autjoriztion for certain tests (such as CT scans and MRIs).  These tests cannot be scheduled until the authorizaton is obtained from the insurance company.  Many plans require referrals; you will need to call the office in advance for a referral before seeing a specialist.  Unless there is an emergenct, same day referrals will not be done.
 
Our office uses a service to copy records for insurance companies and doctors.  You will receive a bill from the service if your records are copied for this purpose.

Question 6

Do I need an office visit to fill all medication prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

If you have not been seen within the last six months, an appointment will be required before any medications are refilled/prescribed.  All medications taken for chronic illnesses require regular follow-up visits before they can be filled.  In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed only during office visits.  We are happy to assist patients with samples when available.  However, amounts may be limited in order to provide samples for as many patients as possible.

Question 7

Will my provider see me if I am hospitalized?

Accepted Answer

Our providers have referring relationships with the hospitalists programs at Hendersonville Medical Center, Skyline Medical Center, Sumner Medical Center and St. Thomas.  Hospitalists are physicians who specialize in the hospital care of patients.  Should you require hospitaliztion, our providers will arrange for your admission and care with a hospitalist at the facility that best meets your needs.  We will also work with your hospital doctors to coordinate your care after discharge from the hospital.  If you should require rehabilitation before returning home our providers visit patients at NHC Helathcare of Hendersonville and NHC Place Sumner.

Question 8

How should I prepare for my Annual Wellness visit?

Accepted Answer

Be sure to bring the following information to your appointment:
 
A list of all of the healthcare providers and durable medical equipment companies that contribute to your healthcare, including community based providers(e.g., personal care, adult day care, home-delivered meals, etc.)
 
A list of all your medications, including calcium and vitamins, as well as the dose you take and how often you take them (If you prefer you may bring in all of your current medicine bottles.)
 
Any results of screening tests you may have received from other providers (e.g., screening for colon cancer, breast cancer, etc.)
 
Any documentation you may have regarding your choices for future medical care, such as advane directive or health care power of attorney.
 
Any questionnaires or paperwork that you may have been asked to complete prior to your visit.

Cumberland Family Practice

Frequently Asked Questions