Patient Information/FAQ's
What is an Internist?
In a few words, what is unique about your group?
Who will I see if I come to your group?
With which hospitals are you affiliated?
What are your hours of operation?
What should I do if I have an emergency medical situation?
What should I do if I need a prescription refill or have a non-urgent matter after hours?
What information do I need to know about appointments?
What should I expect when requesting a referral to a specialist?
What is an Internist?
Our division of Internal Medicine is a group of physicians who each practice "primary care." That is, they serve as the main physician for those individuals age 16 and above. General Internists see individuals for reasons varying from routine check-ups, common problems such as allergies and bronchitis to complex situations involving chronic and multiple medical problems. The following questions and answers are designed to promote an understanding of our goals and major policies.
Q: In a few words, what is unique about your group?
A: We believe that our mission statement best describes the essence of our goals. Each of our physicians completed a training program at a well recognized medical institution and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Most of our physicians have received regional hospital certification as skillful in Electrocardiogram interpretation.
Q: Who will I see if I come to your group?
A: Each individual coming to our group will have one primary care physician. Nearly all the visits will be with this individual. However, should the need arise, you may be offered an office visit with one of the other physicians or Becky Boettcher, our experienced Nurse Practitioner.
Q: With which hospitals are you affiliated?
A: Our primary hospital is Wake Med Cary Hospital (previously named Western Wake Hospital). We are also affiliated with Rex Hospital in Raleigh. Our patients needing Internal Medicine services are seen by the hospitalists at these hospitals who remain in close communication with us. Hospitalists are a group of well qualified physicians hired by the local hospitals to assist in your care. At least one member of the hospitalists team is in the hospital 24 hours a day.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: We are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Q: What should I do if I have an emergency medical situation?
A: If you perceive that you or your family member are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 for emergency services without any delay.
If you are able, have someone call the office number and notify the operator that you need to speak to a nurse regarding an emergency.
For urgent matters that occur outside our weeday hours we may make arrangements to have you seen in one of the local Emergency Departments. If you are unsure if a matter can wait till the next business day, you may call the office number and ask to speak to the physician on call for Internal Medicine.
Q: What should I do if I need a prescription refill or have a non-urgent matter after hours?
A: For non-urgent matters we suggest that you wait till the next business day. This will allow your care to be provided by the physician who knows you best. Should your physician not be available, then the treating physician will at least have the benefit of your office record including medical history, allergies and current medications. In order to provide a better quality of care and to lessen the chance that the care of the more urgently ill may be compromised, we reserve the right to take up to one business day to refill prescriptions. It is our policy to avoid filling requests for any narcotic pain medication or controlled substance after usual business hours. If you anticipate the need for these medications, please show extra caution to have your prescription supply maintained at the time of your office visits.
Q: What information do I need to know about appointments?
A: Appointments may be made by calling the operator at 919.859.5955. Since physical exam spots are more limited than standard office visits, please schedule these visits 3 months in advance. Please notify us as soon as possible if you are unable to make an appointment as we reserve the right to charge for visits cancelled with less than 24 hours notice. For administrative and filing purposes, please bring your insurance card to each visit.
Q: What should I expect when requesting a referral to a specialist?
A: If you have not discussed the situation with your primary physician, most of the time an office visit with your primary physician is the best place to start. This step helps to clarify for your record what the problem appears to be and will give you a better chance of being referred to the most appropriate specialty physician. For those whose insurance requires we process a referral, we must document the required criteria before processing the referral. When the criteria is met, the referral authorization must be requested and received prior to your specialist visit. While we have hired and trained additional staff in order to avoid delays, a non-emergency referral requires two days notice. Please be aware of these limitations so that you will be able to receive the benefit of your insurance coverage.
