Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions:
Questions About My Treatment:
Questions About Appointments
Questions About Insurance
Questions About Tests
Questions About Sleep Studies
General Questions:
Are you handicap accessible?
Yes. Our entire facility is handicap accessible.
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Is there parking?
We have plenty of free parking without any steps to enter the building. Many handicap parking places are available. Parking is at the front of the building.
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Will all of my medical information be kept confidential?
Yes. All of our staff is trained and understand the importance of the need for privacy for our patients.
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Do I need to be referred to you by another doctor?
If you are coming to have a test performed, you will need a prescription from the ordering doctor. Otherwise you do not need to be referred to us by another doctor.
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Do you have a neurosurgeon in your office?
Our doctors are not neurosurgeons. However St. Luke’s Neurosurgical Associates does have a satellite office in our building.
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How long does it take to have a form completed?
We ask that you give us the courtesy of 48 hours prior to when you need a form.
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How do I obtain my records?
You may request a copy of your records at any time. There may be a nominal fee for this service. Just call and either speak with your physician’s secretary, or choose the medical records option on our automated phone attendant
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Questions About My Treatment:
Will the doctor perform tests during my first visit?
For your first visit, you are only scheduled to meet with the doctor for evaluation. He will then order any testing necessary and that will be scheduled. In some instances, we may be able to perform the test the same day. Most testing is done at our facility.
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How do I get refills for my prescriptions?
Call our office between the hours of 9 am - 12 noon or 1 – 4 pm. Please have your prescription bottle with you when you call. You will be asked for the following information:
- Name of medication
- Strength of medication
- Directions for use
- Phone Number of Pharmacy
Narcotic refills MUST be called in during office hours since these require a written prescription and therefore cannot be called to your pharmacy on an emergency basis.
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Can I talk to my doctor without an appointment?
You may call our office between the hours of 9 am - 12 noon or 1 – 4 pm. You will be connected to the doctor’s secretary. Please indicate to the secretary what you want to discuss with the doctor. Since no nurses are on staff, a brief description will be acceptable. (Example: Should I continue physical therapy…I want to discuss my medication…I am in pain) If you feel your situation requires immediate attention, please indicate this to the secretary. Otherwise the doctor will return all phone calls prior to his leaving for the day. Many times these return calls are made between the hours of 4:00 to 6:30 pm (after our office has closed).
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May I switch to another doctor in your practice?
We have three neurologists. We do understand that personality plays a part in the relationship between the patient and the physician. Therefore we do understand when occasionally a patient requests to transfer treatment to another doctor in our group.
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Questions About Appointments
Will you call to remind me of my appointment?
As a courtesy to our patients, we will try to contact all patients 1-2 days prior to the appointment date as a reminder. If you are not personally available to take this call, please return our call (9 am – 12 noon or 1 – 4 pm) to verify you will be here for your appointment.
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What happens if I cancel my appointment?
All cancellations should be made 48 hours prior to the time of your appointment. We do understand that emergencies sometimes arise which may not make this possible. Please see our Financial Policy for any cancellation charges.
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Do you have Saturday appointments?
At this time we do not have Saturday appointments.
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How often do I have to be seen?
The frequency of visits varies greatly from one patient to the next. Sometimes the physician may ask you to return in a week. But we also have patients who return annually. There is usually a gradual transition to longer times between each visit.
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Questions About Insurance
Do you bill insurance?
Our Patient Accounts department will bill your health insurance, workers’ compensation carrier or auto insurance. We are participating providers with various insurance companies. Click Here for a complete list of insurances. Our billing personnel work closely with patients, verifying and explaining their benefits and answering any questions that may arise.
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Will I need to pay anything at my visit?
If your insurance has a standard copayment amount, this must be paid at the time of your visit. This amount will correspond to the SP (specialist) amount listed on your insurance card. If SP is not indicated, then the OV (office visit) amount will be collected. If you have Medicare, you will pay your 20% copayment at the time of the visit. If copay is not paid at time of service an additional $5 processing fee will apply or you may need to reschedule your appointment.
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Do you see patients for Worker’s Comp or Motor Vehicle Injuries?
We do see patients with Work Related and Motor Vehicle Related injuries. For Work Related Injuries we will verify the claim prior to giving you an appointment. If you have health insurance, this wait is not necessary since your health insurance will back up your injury claim. For Motor Vehicle Related injuries you will receive an appointment immediately.
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Questions About Tests
How do I get my test results?
For test results please call between the hours of 9 am - 12 noon or 1 – 4 pm. Depending on the type of test, these results may be available between 1-5 days from the date of the test. Please check with the testing facility where you have a test done to find out when results will be available.
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I had a VNG test and the results were abnormal. My doctor now wants me to go for therapy. What can I expect?
The physical therapist will use the Computerized Dynamic Posturography in your daily treatment sessions. This treatment pushes the patient beyond normal comfort levels in the safety of the CDP equipment. This will build your confidence and help you to re-learn your normal limits of stability and center balance. Then you are taken outside the comfort of the CDP machine. The therapist will work one on one with you to practice what you learned with the CDP machine in a real-life environment.
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Can I drive after my VNG test?
Some individuals become dizzy for 2-5 minutes, but most are able to drive home after the test without difficulty. If you are concerned about being able to drive afterward, please make arrangements for someone to transport you.
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Can I drive after my EEG test?
Yes. Driving is not a problem with this test.
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Can I drive after my EMG/NCV test?
Yes. Driving is not a problem with this test
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Questions About Sleep Studies
Do we have weekend hours?
We do have Friday night, and occasionally Sunday night, appointments
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Am I alone in the room?
Yes. The technician will be in a nearby room. You can communicate with the technician by means of an intercom and with a microphone located on the wall of your room. The technician will be able to watch you on a monitor in the control room throughout the night. He/she will ensure that all of the sensors are working. On occasion the technician will come in to the room to adjust a sensor.
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What time can I leave in the morning?
The technologist will wake you up in the morning after 6 am and disconnect all the sensors. If you need to awaken earlier we can accommodate you as long as the proper amount of sleep has been recorded. You make take a shower after your test. Towels, washcloths, soap and shampoo will be provided for you. A hairdryer is available should you need to use one. (If you prefer you may bring one of your own.)
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I work nights. How do I have a sleep test?
Your bedtime is flexible based on your normal routine, but will be no later than 11:00 pm. If you work a night shift be sure to inform us at time of scheduling so we can make special arrangements for your testing.
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Can I drive?
You may drive yourself (as long as you do not have a problem with falling asleep behind the wheel).
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Should I take my medications?
Bring all of the medications you normally use at home, including nebulizers or inhalers. If you are diabetic, please bring your medicines with you. The lab does not provide medications for your use unless specifically ordered by the doctor.
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Is the room air conditioned?
Yes. Both of our sleep labs are air conditioned.
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Will I be able to use the bathroom facilities?
It is not a problem if you wake during the night and need to use the bathroom facilities.
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I have a CPAP machine already. Do I need to bring it?
No, but you may bring your own mask if you wish.
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Can my spouse stay overnight with me?
No. This evening you cannot share your bed.
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I have an aide/nurse who stays with me every night. May he/she come?
Yes. Our technologists only perform those duties that are directly related to the sleep tests. Any other medical needs would be taken care of by the aide.
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