Appointment Types

There are three appointment types of office visits: (1) routine care such as physical examinations, well child care, and new patient evaluations, (2) follow-up visits for non-urgent problems such as hypertension or asthma, and (3) urgent visits for acute illnesses. Our policy is designed to accommodate each patient with the appropriate amount of time to provide the necessary evaluation and management of their condition.

Office Visits

Office visits for physical exams and new patient evaluations take up more time in the office and therefore are more difficult to work into the provider’s schedule. Visits for routine care are customarily booked within two to three months of the date of your request. We suggest that you plan as far in advance as possible when requesting an appointment.

Non-Urgent Follow-Up Visits

Non-urgent follow-up visits may take a week or more to book. Patients’ schedules are always considered and every effort is made to accommodate individual needs. It is essential, however, that we maintain availability to see patients with urgent problems.

Urgent Care Visits

Patients with urgent care problems such as injuries, infections, sore throats, or similar conditions are usually seen within a day or two. If you feel it is necessary to be seen that day, please call before 10:00 AM. If you have an urgent complaint, we will offer you the earliest appointment available, which may be with a doctor or physician assistant other than your regular primary care physician. Please be flexible. We’re certain that you understand that it is impossible to see patients on a “walk-in” basis.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to accommodate every single request for a same day appointment. In order to see patients as quickly as possible, we may ask you to wait until the following day, come in on a Saturday morning, or even refer you to the Urgent Care for evaluation. Some medical problems, such as acute chest pain or serious injuries cannot be treated within an office setting and necessitate more extensive facilities. In these situations we may recommend immediate assessment in the Emergency Department.