Referrals

If you are referred to us by your personal physician, he will remain your primary care provider. We will keep your doctor informed of your care at our office so that when you return to his care, he will be knowledgeable of your health status. In all other cases, your medical information is completely confidential unless you give us written authorization to release confidentiality.

Appointment Delays and Cancellations

Patients are seen by appointment and every effort is made to keep on schedule. When it is necessary for a doctor to meet emergency patient needs, you may be asked to wait beyond your schedule time. Every effort will be made to inform you of schedule delays. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance.

What to Bring to the Appointment

• Patient's insurance card
• Referral form if required by insurance
• A list of current prescription or over-the-counter medications, including dose and frequency
• Pertinent information about your medical and surgical history
• Related x-rays or records you may have

What to Expect at Your First Visit

During your first visit with us, one of our nurses will take a past medical history including all past and present problems and medications. The doctor will talk with you before the examination. The exam will include a complete physical, and for our female patients may include a catherized urine specimen. The catheter procedure insures a more accurate diagnosis. Typical office visits take approximately two hours. If you have x-rays or medical records pertaining to your current problem, please bring them with you. Also, bring all bottles of medications to aid the doctor in his efforts to speed your recovery.

Special Facilities Available

We offer a clinic at both Ashe Memorial Hospital and Cannon Memorial Hospital, one or two days per week in addition to appointments at our Boone office on State Farm Road. Our State Farm Road office is equipped with minor surgery, laboratory, CT scan, x-ray and ultrasound facilities so that routine work may be done in the office, which saves the doctor valuable time in determining what treatment is needed. It may be necessary to send some lab tests to other labs. When this occurs, the outside lab will bill you separately. For an appointment at Ashe Memorial Hospital call 828.264.5150. For an appointment at Cannon Memorial Hospital call 828.737.7650.

Ask Questions Between Visits

Our trained medical staff is available to answer your questions concerning medication, treatment, insurance and billing during regular office hours.

How We Handle Insurance and Payment

As a courtesy to our patients, primary insurance is filed after each visit. Complete insurance information provided by you will aid payment by your insurance company. However, you are ultimately responsible for amounts your primary insurance does not pay.

To aid you in the settlement of any unpaid balance, we offer a number of budget plans. If after 30 days of your insurance response we have not received a payment from you, we will begin collection procedures. For patients who are self-pay, we expect payment within 30 days of your visit.

Insurances Accepted

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Cigna
Health Care Savings
MedCost

Hospital Privileges

Watauga Medical Center
Ashe Memorial Hospital
Cannon Memorial Hospital

Notice of Patient Information Practices

Our Notice of Patient Information Practices describes how medical information about you may be used or disclosed and how you can get access to information. Please review it carefully.