AppointmentsHow do I make an appointment?Please call our office and follow the telephone prompts. The medical secretary will speak to you about your needs and give you the soonest convenient time for you. When should I arrive for my appointment?We ask that new patients come to the office 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment to complete paperwork. We ask the patients coming for procedures arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time to complete paperwork. What should I bring to my appointment?All patients are asked to bring their insurance card, driver’s license (for identity purposes) and co-payment. If you have had tests performed that will be helpful in your treatment, please advise your doctor’s office to forward them to us or you may bring a copy with you to your appointment. When should I cancel my appointment?If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify our office at 410-602-7782 as soon as possible and we will be happy to reschedule. PrescriptionsHow do I get my prescription filled?We request that you contact your pharmacy for prescription refills. If you have no refills remaining, please call our office at 410.602.7782, press 4, and then follow the prompts to reach your physician. You may also use the Patient Portal for prescription refill requests. Please be sure to leave your name, date of birth, the prescription information, and your contact information so that we can process your request. If your insurance company requires pre-authorization for your prescription, it will take 1 week to complete the documentation they require. Why does it take 48 hours to get my prescription refilled?It takes 48 hours to fill prescriptions for various reasons including authorizations, physician review, and past medical history. Why do you require annual visits to the physician for prescription refills?We require that patients be seen by their physician or physician’s assistant once a year for any prescription refills. We need to re-evaluate your health status. We may also determine if there is a new medication that would better suit your needs. BillingDo you bill my insurance?We bill the insurance company based on the information you give to us. We bill the insurance within a few days of providing the service to you. How much will I owe?Our billing department will determine your part of the cost after they receive payment from your insurance company. You can call your insurance company to ask them to explain your benefit program. For any billing questions you can call 410.602.7782, press option 4, and then follow the prompts to reach our billing department. Why do I need a referral?Various insurance programs require referrals for visits to the specialist and for diagnostic tests. Please check with your insurance company to determine the need for a referral. Why am I getting 4 bills for my procedure?Four groups are involved in your endoscopy care: 1. The physician performing the service 2. The anesthesia provider 3. The facility fee 4. Lab services to include biopsies/pathology taken at the time of service Test ResultsHow long does it take to get my lab results back?It takes 10 – 14 days to receive the lab results back from the lab and for the physician to review them. How do I call for my test results?Please call the office you usually go and follow the prompts. 24 Hour ServiceWhat happens if I need a physician after working hours?A member of our physician group is on-call 24 hours per day. Please call our office and our answering service will take your information and contact the physician to return your call. What happens if it is an emergency?In an emergency situation, please call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital. Procedure QuestionsHow long does the procedure take?Please allow 1 1/2 hours for a colonoscopy or EGD. If you are having both procedures, it will take about 2 hours. Capsule endoscopy requires 2 visits and takes about 30 minutes each. Why can’t I take a taxi home from my procedure?Patients who have had endoscopy procedures are recovering from anesthesia and are asked not to drive and not to make any major decisions. The patient is required to be accompanied by a responsible adult. A taxi driver cannot be relied upon to accompany the patient to the home and make sure the patient arrives safely. What if I have questions about my preparation for my procedure?Your physician’s secretary will help you with any questions about your prep. Instructions are also available on our web site. Please refer to the information given to you when your procedure was scheduled or call the secretary. In addition, our web site has prep information by physician under GI procedures. Patient PortalHow to I access the Patient Portal?Please call the office and inform your physician’s secretary you would like to sign up for the Patient Portal. You will be sent an e-mail and an access number along with directions for signing in. You can use the Patient Portal for making appointments, viewing and updating your health information and requesting RX refills. You can also enter your health history prior to coming to your appointment to save time in the waiting room. Patients are able to pay their bills using the Patient Portal.
