FAQ's

APPOINTMENTS

Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, new patients are always welcome. We appreciate our current patients' referring their friends and family to Ghent Family Practice!

What ages do you accept?
All ages from birth through adulthood, including geriatrics.

Do you accept my insurance plan?
For a list of insurance plans we are contracted with click here

What should I bring to each appointment?
1. A list of current medications, vitamins and/or herbal supplements
2. Immunization record for each child or adult seeking an immunization update.
3. Always bring your insurance card and copay. Your insurance company requires you to pay your copay at the time services are rendered. A copy of your insurance card helps us to accurately file your claim to your insurance company.

Why do I have to present my insurance card at each visit and review my address and phone number?
Ghent Family Practice strives to send accurate claims to your primary insurance company. Each time you come in for an office visit, we review your demographic information and the information on the insurance card you have presented. This helps us to get your claim paid quickly. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service in all areas.

REFERRALS

Is it necessary to see my doctor at Ghent Family Practice to receive a referral to a specialist?
There are times patients would prefer to see a specialist without seeing their primary care doctor. Since we can not evaluate medical problems over the phone we prefer to see you in our office for problems to determine if they can be treated in our office. If it requires a referral, we need to identify the underlying condition and refer you to the correct physician. Also, many insurance companies require the primary care doctor to evaluate the problem before a referral can be made. We also ask that you have the specialist communicate to us after seeing you. Some insurance plans require a letter from the specialist to the family doctor. Seeing you beforehand and receiving information back from the specialist facilitates continuity and quality medical care.

Why do I need a referral to see a specialist?
This process is not our idea, but your insurance company's. It actually increases our overhead and the insurance companies do not reimburse us for this service. Some insurance companies require referrals to specialists and some do not. You should always check with your insurance company. Please allow 2 weeks for our office to complete non-urgent referrals.

What is pre-certification?
Several insurance companies require pre-certification for tests such MRI's, MRA's, PET scans, etc. The pre-certification process provides your insurance company with medical necessity information for the test the doctor has recommended. Based on the insurance company's guidelines, they take this information and decide whether or not to approve the testing. Believe it or not, pre-certification approval does not guarantee payment for the service. Please be familiar with your insurance company's policies. Please allow 2 weeks for our office to complete pre-certification requests for non-urgent testing

BILLING

How will I be billed?
Payment is due at the time of service, whether it be a co-pay or the entire charge for the visit is determined by what insurance you have. For items not paid for at time-of-service, you will receive a statement in the mail and payment is due upon receipt.

Do you accept credit cards?
MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted.

Why do I receive a bill when the insurance hasn't yet paid?
Insurance companies are required to pay on claims within 30 days of receipt. If your insurance company doesn't, we will bill you. Patients can exert greater influence with the insurance company to have claims paid on time because they can go to their employer and file a complaint with the insurance commissioner if they so choose.

Why do I have to pay for the meningitis vaccines and other vaccines?
Many insurance companies do not pay adequately for certain vaccines, although they are recommended. You will be responsible to pay at the time of the vaccination. You will receive a form that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Why is there a charge to refill prescriptions between visits?
The doctors usually provide enough refills when you initially receive a prescription to take you through to your next appointment. All prescription medication requires follow up care and before you are completely out of your prescription, you should be making an appointment so the doctor can evaluate the benefit of the medication(s), and make changes or advise you if any testing is needed. We want to be sure that the way you are taking your medication matches what we have prescribed so there is no room for error.

LAB TESTS

What lab tests require fasting?
If you are having your cholesterol checked, you will need to fast for 14 hours; you are encouraged to continue drinking water. If you are having a blood sugar, you will need to fast for 8 hours (except for water.)

I'm diabetic, can I take my medication?
Diabetic patients do NOT take their insulin or medication that morning. You can bring your breakfast and insulin with you to take immediately after the lab draw. Try to schedule and early appointment so you don't have to delay your medication or meal for long.

Can I get my lab results over the phone?
Most times, we prefer to discuss lab results in person so that a full explanation can be given and treatment can be rendered if necessary, including prescriptions or adjustments to prescriptions. Normally, your lab work will be scheduled one week in advance of an office visit.

MISC

When should I schedule a Bone Mineral Density Test?
Generally, evaluating your bones every 2 years after your initial Bone Mineral Density Test will be sufficient. Your initial one frequently is done when you reach menopause. For more information click here.

Do you provide hospital care?
We use hospitalists (physicians who specialize in care for hospitalized patients) to take care for you in the hospital. Plan to see us in the office after you are discharged. These physicians generally send us pertinent information after you are discharged.