PATIENT INFORMATION
NEW PATIENTS
Your first visit to Pinnacle Healthcare System establishes a vital foundation for our relationship with you. During your first visit, we obtain important background information about your medical history and give you time to get to know your doctor.
To understand what to expect during your first visit to our practice, please read through this page. You'll find all the practical information you need, such as links to forms and answers to questions about payment policies and more.
What to Expect
Being well-prepared for your appointment will ensure that the doctor has all the necessary information to provide you the best possible care. It will also help relieve any unnecessary anxiety you may be feeling. This page includes links to new patient information forms that you can print out, complete at your convenience, and bring to your first appointment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so you can provide the necessary paperwork and insurance information to be entered into our system. To save time, you can also print and complete the new patient forms linked above and bring them to your next appointment. Please bring a list of any medications you may be taking as well as the name, address, and phone number of the pharmacy you use. You may also bring copies of your medical history, labs, and/or imaging reports if they are available.
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
You do not need a referral to make an appointment with a primary care physician. Some insurances do require a referral for specialists. To confirm that your visit will be covered through your insurance, please contact your insurance provider to verify the terms of your policy.
How is the doctor-patient relationship different here compared to other hospitals or clinics?
We believe our staff members are leaders in providing patient-focused care. We take the time to listen to patients’ concerns and address any questions they may have. We value all our patients and appreciate the long-lasting relationships we create with them.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24-hour notice to cancel all appointments. Please be sure to contact us if you cannot make your scheduled appointment with your doctor to avoid having to pay a cancellation fee.
How can I get in touch with my doctor?
We take pride in our doctor-patient relationships and schedule plenty of time for you to get all your questions answered. If you need to get in touch with your doctor between appointments, please contact our main office to leave a message or schedule an appointment.
How do you notify your patients of lab or test results?
The patient information form you will fill out on your first visit allows you to note how you would like to be contacted regarding any test or lab results. We can usually notify patients within 24 hours of receiving results.
Can I get copies of my test results?
Results are available via the patient portal; upon request, we can provide you copies of your test results.
Do you allow urgent or same-day appointments?
We do set aside time for urgent visits. However, if you require emergency assistance, please dial 9-1-1.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
BILLING & INSURANCE QUESTIONS
How will I pay for my care?
If you have insurance, please bring in your card and we will either collect your co-pay or bill you through your insurance plan. If you are not insured, we require payment at the time of service. We strive to have all aspects of our practice, including our professional fees, reflect our ethical, rational approach to your care.
Which insurance plans do you accept?
Our office accepts most major insurance plans. To confirm that your visit will be covered through your insurance, please contact your insurance provider to verify the terms of your policy.
Our office maintains an in-house business office/billing department that can provide you with more information regarding our billing practices. For assistance, visit the billing department page or call 954-239-4596.
Our team of doctors and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating health issues. Please use our PATIENT EDUCATION LIBRARY to learn more about the services we offer and the conditions we treat. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please contact us.
We also recommend Medscape.com as an excellent source for patient education.