| We suggest that you arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit. The extra time is needed to be sure all necessary forms are completed prior to seeing Dr. Bikowski or Chris Foti, his Physician Assistant. Also at your first visit, a permanent medical record will be initiated to include your past as well as present medical history.
One of the most important parts of your medical record is your drug intake history- those medications that you are currently taking, those used to treat your present skin condition and any drug allergy. It is important to avoid drug interactions, therefore, please bring with you all prescription and non-prescription pills, capsules, creams, lotions, used to treat your skin condition or that you have used for any other medical condition. Also, bring with you any and all prescription and non-prescription medications that you are currently taking, or any that you have taken in the 4 weeks prior to your visit for any reason whatsoever, whether it is medical or non-medical. Also don't forget to tell us about eye drops, nose drops, inhalers, rectal or vaginal suppositories, laxatives, vitamins, herbal medications or nutritional supplements. With your help, drug interactions and allergies may be avoided.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Fees and any other co-payments are due at office sign-in. The front desk staff will discuss this with you, at your request. We also accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover and debit cards.
INSURANCE
Assignment is accepted from insurance companies. We participate in Medicare and almost every managed health care HMO/PPO. Remember, HMOs/PPOs may require a referral from your primary care physician and it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary forms. You are responsible for payment if there is no referral.
Your health care is important to us. If you have no insurance and finances are a concern, do not worry. No-interest, monthly payment plans can be easily arranged. So just ask Dr. Bikowski or Chris Foti, his Physician Assistant.
TELEPHONE CALLS
After your initial office visit, the telephone is often the most effective means of communication. The best time for calling is between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. Generally speaking the earlier you call, the better. Dr. Bikowski or Chris, his Physician Assistant, will return your call as soon as the schedule permits. Not all problems can be handled by phone. Many diseases have similar symptoms. If you have developed a complication, a new problem or if it has been a long time since your last visit, it will most likely be necessary to schedule an examination in the office. And, if an urgent office visit is needed, it will be scheduled for the same day or next day if at all possible.
REFILLS
Requests for prescription refills will be taken only by phone and only during office hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If it has been longer than 6 months since your last visit to the office the prescription will not be refilled by telephone
AFTER HOURS TELEPHONE CALLS & EMERGENCIES
Our office is available by phone Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM for information, appointments, questions and requests for prescription refills. At all other times call 412-741-2810 |
