Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What insurance does "Star Family Care"
accept?
A: We accept HNA, Aetna, Beech Street, Cigna, Medicare Part B ,
Pacificare PPO, Universal Heath Network, and many more.
Click here for a complete list.
Q: What is "Star Family Care's"Privacy
Statement?
A:
Click here for
our privacy statement.
Q: What is "Star Family Care's"
Cancellation Policy?
A:
Click here for
our cancellation policy..
Q: Why do I need to be on time when I know I
might be waiting awhile ?
A: Even if we are running behind at the office, it does effect the
schedule (and all of the patients on the schedule) if you show up late
for your appointment. Although we try to stick with the time
allotted, it is impossible to predict what the patients before you will
present and how long the practitioner will need with them. Dr.
Pierce and Marlina give the time necessary to each patient according to
their needs.
Q: Why do I need to fill out a form every
time I sign in for a visit?
A: It may seem too repetitive to be of any use, we know; however, the purpose
of the sign in sheet is threefold: 1.) We need to find out what concerns
you have, what refills you need (if any) and what test results you need
to discuss. This way , you are thinking about what questions you
have before you see the practitioner. The nursing assistant and
the practitioners are able to focus on the main problem by prioritizing
your concerns. 2.) Knowing what specific concerns you want addressed
helps us stay on time for the visit by adjusting the number of items we
need to address and deferring other items to additional visits. If
all patients are specific on their concerns, we are more likely to run
on time 3.) It is very important for us to get your address and
insurance information every time you come in. There have been too
many instances where a patient has moved or had new insurance, but wrote
"same" on the address and insurance information lines thinking they had
informed us at an earlier date. It wastes time, paper, and money
to send correspondence to the wrong addresses. We would rather be
informed of these changes while you are in the office.
Q: Why can't the doctor see my family
members during my scheduled visit?
A: It is your prerogative to bring members or your family into the exam
room during your scheduled visit. It is not practical, however, to
ask the practitioner to see your family as a patient during your visit.
Not only does it take away from the quality of care the practitioner
wants to deliver during your visit, it also affects the whole schedule.
It might seem that it will only take 5 minutes to address the issue, it
always takes longer and the result affects all of the patients on the
schedule.
Q: Why do I often have to wait for my
appointment longer than is desirable?
A: Long waits are due to a variety of reasons. Every patient is
allotted a certain amount of time, however, some conditions or
situations demand more time of the practitioners. The following ,
however, may help prevent schedule-back-up: 1.)
Showing up on time for your appointment. This gives the nursing
assistant the time she needs to get your vital signs and history before
the practitioner sees you. 2.) Filling out the
sign in form completely. This gives you the opportunity to list
all of the concerns you have and/or list the refills you need so they
are not forgotten during your visit. This also makes it possible
for the nursing assistant and the practitioners to prioritize and
address your concerns in the most efficient manner. 3.)
Please have family members schedule appointments at the front desk.
Again, it may seem convenient to work them in during your visit since
they are already in the exam room with you, however it wreaks havoc with
the schedule. (Remember; we have allotted time in the schedule for
YOU, not for another person to be seen or to monopolize the provider's
time during your visit.) 4.) Call the pharmacy
for refills before you run out of your medicine. The pharmacy will
fax us a request which we can process at the end of the day (rather than
interrupting patient care time in the office.) If you were given
lab orders at your last visit, get the lab work done and keep your
follow-up visit. Then when you need a refill, we will have the
current lab results needed in order to fill your prescription
efficiently. 5.) Remember this is a
medical office and emergencies do happen. We try to
notify the patients in the waiting room when this occurs and offer
rescheduling when appropriate.
Q: Why are my prescription refills sometimes
denied? Why do I need to have an office visit in order to get a
prescription refilled?
A:Medication refills are seldom an easy undertaking. Often the
provider needs to access your medical record, review your diagnoses,
review any changes in your medications or circumstances and ask
themselves if the medicine is still necessary. Also, keep in mind:
1.) Some medications cannot be refilled without current
lab results and a physical assessment. 2.) We are
unable to fill a prescription without at least one visit in the past 12
months, filling a prescription in this circumstance is considered
malpractice and is irresponsible health care.