What is an Endocrinologist?
An Endocrinologist specializes in treating disorders of the endocrine system such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer,diabetes, disorders of menopause, PMS, andropause, osteoporosis, pituitary disorders such as growth hormone deficiency and adrenal disorders such as Cushing's disease or Addison's disease.
Will I still need my primary physician?
Yes, you will need a primary physician or general internist in charge of your overall care. We will inform your primary physician of the results, studies and treatment plan.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please contact our scheduling coordinator at 828-633-6643 to schedule you a new patient appointment.
Do I have to confirm my new patient appointment?
Yes. If you have not confirmed your appointment by 2:00 pm the day before you are scheduled, your appointment will be cancelled.
What do I need to bring to the initial consultation?
Please complete and bring (do not mail) the forms from the new patient packet. Please have your physician send your recent medical records and any test studies related to the condition. Please bring a complete list or all bottles of medication that you are currently taking.
If we are seeing you for diabetes, please bring your blood glucose meter, strips and a record of your recent glucose monitoring results.
Do I need to be fasting?
No, eat your regularly scheduled meal and take any medication as usual.
What is the cost of the initial consultation?
Every consultation is different, therefore we include cost information in the new patient packet. The cost will vary depending on your insurance coverage. If we are contracted with your insurance carrier, we will request your co-payment and deductible at the time of service.
Do you participate or contract with my insurance?
We participate with Medicare, Medicaid and have contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield (including State Employees Health Plan), CIGNA, and Medcost. Our physicians are members of the Crescent PPO and have contracts with some payers. Please contact your employer or our Office Manager at 828-670-6812 Ext. 3314 for participation status.
Do you file my insurance?
Yes, we do file insurance for our patients. However, we do expect your copayment and deductible to be paid at the time of visit. We do have payment options. If you need to discuss arrangements for payment please call 828-633-6653.
What are the office hours?
The front door is unlocked at 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am until 12:00 pm on Friday. We answer telephone calls starting at 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and 9:00 am untill 12:00 pm on Friday.
What happens if I do not keep an appointment?
New patients who fail to show or do not cancel with 24 hours notice will be charged $100. Follow-up patients who fail to show or do not cancel with a 24 hours notice will be charged $30 the first time and $50 the second time. This fee is charged to the patient, not the insurance company, and is due prior to being scheduled another appointment.
How are telephone calls handled during office hours?
We encourage you to call the office during regular hours if you have a problem or question. Our staff has been trained in receiving calls from patients in regard to medical problems as well as appointments, insurance, fees, lab results, etc. This allows the physicians to see their patients with a minimum of interruptions. If your call is concerning a medical problem or lab results, the medical assistant/nurse will consult with your physician and return your call as soon as possible. We have a triage department available who handles urgent patient calls. You can also send a secure message on our portal.
How are telephone calls handled before and after office hours?
There is a physician on call at all times for emergencies. When you call the office, 828-670-6812, before or after office hours, selecting option '0' will transfer your call to the answering service. If you experience a problem with your call being transferred, you can call 828-785-5443 and reach the answering service directly. They will then page the physician on call. If the on call physician has not called you back within 10 minutes, call the answering service again.