Primary care practices schedule patients based on:

• Urgency of medical issue
  • Appointment availability
  • Provider specialty or expertise

Seeing different providers can sometimes improve access to care, but your medical records are shared within the clinic so all providers know your history.

Typical visit times:

Preventive physical:
30–45 minutes

Follow-up visit:
15–25 minutes

Acute illness visit:
10–20 minutes

Complex medical visits may require multiple appointments.

Medical visits must follow insurance billing rules and time limits.

Examples requiring separate visits:

• Preventive physical + multiple problems
  • Mental health evaluation
  • Medication adjustments requiring monitoring
  • Complex chronic disease discussion

This ensures adequate time and proper documentation for your care.

Although we try to stay on schedule, delays can occur because:

• A patient requires emergency attention
  • A complex case needs extra time
  • Unexpected urgent visits

We believe patients deserve the time they need with their provider, even if it occasionally causes delays.

Preventive visits (annual physicals) are meant for:

• Screening exams
  • Preventive labs
  • Vaccinations
  • Risk assessment

If additional issues are addressed, such as:

• New symptoms
  • Medication changes
  • Chronic disease management

Insurance requires billing an additional problem-oriented visit.

Examples include:

• Discussing chest pain
  • Evaluating new headaches
  • Adjusting blood pressure medications
  • Managing diabetes

These are medical problems requiring evaluation, not preventive services.

Possible reasons include:

• Deductible not met
  • Co-insurance required
  • Non-covered services
  • Lab services billed separately
  • Specialist or imaging services outside the clinic

Your insurance company determines coverage, not the clinic.

A deductible is the amount you must pay before insurance begins covering services.

Example:

Deductible: $3000
If you have not met it, you may be responsible for:

• Lab tests
• Imaging
• Specialist visits

Lab testing is billed separately from the office visit.

Even if your annual physical is covered, some labs may still apply to your deductible depending on your insurance plan.

Unfortunately, no.

Insurance benefits vary widely.

The best source for coverage information is your insurance company.

Lab testing helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as:

• Diabetes
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Cholesterol abnormalities
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Kidney or liver disease

Your provider orders labs based on medical necessity and clinical guidelines.

Yes.

Patients have the right to decline testing.

However, declining recommended tests may limit your provider’s ability to diagnose or monitor conditions.

Most results are available in:

Routine labs:
2–5 business days

Special tests:
5–14 days

Critical results are communicated immediately.

Some abnormal results require:

• Medical interpretation
  • Treatment changes
  • Additional testing

These discussions require medical evaluation and documentation.

Some insurance plans require referrals for:

• Cardiology
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Orthopedics
  • Neurology

Without a referral, insurance may deny coverage.

Referral processing usually takes:

3–7 business days

This includes:

• Insurance authorization
• Medical documentation
• Specialist coordination

Referral delays can occur because of:

• Insurance authorization requirements
• Specialist scheduling availability
• Incomplete medical records

Yes.

Patients may request a preferred specialist if they are in-network with their insurance.

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral illnesses.

Overuse of antibiotics can lead to:

• Antibiotic resistance
  • Side effects
  • Ineffective future treatment

Your provider follows evidence-based medical guidelines.

Some medications require monitoring such as:

• Blood pressure medications
  • Diabetes medications
  • Controlled substances
  • Hormone therapy

Appointments ensure medications remain safe and effective.

Controlled medications are regulated by:

• Federal law
  • Texas Medical Board regulations

Examples include:

• ADHD medications
  • Pain medications
  • Sleep medications

These medications require strict monitoring.

Best communication methods:

Non-urgent questions:
Patient portal message

Medication refill requests:
Patient portal

Urgent symptoms:
Call the clinic

Emergency symptoms:
Call 911 or go to the ER

Medical advice often requires:

• Review of your medical record
  • Examination
  • Medical documentation

For safety and accuracy, many issues require an appointment.

Examples include:

• X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scans
  • MRI

Imaging is ordered when clinically necessary to diagnose conditions.

Coverage depends on:

• Insurance plan
  • Deductible status
  • Medical necessity

Authorization may be required before imaging.

• Missed appointments affect:

  • Other patients waiting for care
    • Provider schedules
    • Clinic resources

  Patients are encouraged to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance.

• Responsibilities include:

  • Providing accurate medical history
    • Bringing medication lists
    • Following treatment recommendations
    • Completing labs and tests
    • Understanding insurance coverage

  Healthcare works best when patients and providers work together.

• • Chest pain
    • Stroke symptoms
    • Severe breathing problems
    • Major injuries
    • Loss of consciousness

  Primary care is best for non-emergency medical care.

• • Compassionate care
    • Evidence-based medicine
    • Clear communication
    • Coordination with specialists
    • Timely access to care

  Healthcare can sometimes be complex, and we appreciate your partnership in maintaining your health.