What should be done prior to my visit?
Have all your records sent/faxed to the oncologists office. Medical
Oncologist: X-Ray, CT Scans, lab, pathology, referring doctor notes
Hematology Oncologist: lab, referring doctor notes insurance referrals -
fax or hand carry
When I arrive, what can I expect?
The doctors see patients on an appointment basis. Wheelchairs are
available at all locations for patients who need assistance. When you
arrive for your appointment, please be sure to check in with the
receptionist. At that time, the receptionist will provide you with
information and direct you to the next area.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is not one disease, but a general term covering many distinct
diseases. Each type of cancer has patterns that may differ from other
types of cancer, and the same disease often affects one person
differently from another. Because there are so many variables, different
types of treatments are required and no one treatment is right for
everyone. That's why our physicians customize a course of treatment to
meet each patient's specific needs and condition.
What will my insurance cover?
Financial counselors are available to discuss on an individual basis
what your insurance company will or will not cover. They will verify
your coverage and pre-authorized medical procedures if required by your
insurance company. They will also set up financial arrangements for all
non-covered amounts.
How often should
I present my Insurance Card?
At each visit, please give your insurance card to the person at the
front desk.
OFFICE
HOURS:
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We make every effort to honor all time commitments and request that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call us 24 hours in advance to reschedule. Occasionally our physicians will have an emergency, in which case we will make every effort to notify you of our delay.
First Visit:
Patients are seen shortly after a referral. At the time of the first appointment, a medical assistant will register the patient. Our physicians will interview and examine the patient after reviewing the referring physician's referral note and history of the present illness. The patient's diagnosis and treatment options will then be discussed. We recognize the impact cancer has on the lives of our patients and their families, and strive to address both the medical and psychological aspect of the disease. |
Our friendly staff is
eager to assist you.
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"Our highly trained staff
is here to serve
you"
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TELEPHONE
CALLS:
Our telephones are answered during office hours by both our medical and administrative staff. Telephone calls concerning prescriptions, appointments and medical conditions should always be made during office hours. Our staff is trained to carefully note the details of your call in your chart. This is reviewed by one of our physicians within a short period of time and instructions are also entered in your record. Our nurse or nursing assistant will return your call as soon as possible. Any emergency will be immediately conveyed to the physician. |
EMERGENCY
CALLS & AFTER OFFICE HOURS:
The answering service will intercept all calls made to the office after hours, on holidays and weekends. The emergency number is the main office number (352)
732-4032 and the ONLY number with a 24-hour attendant. The answering service will forward the message to the physician on call who will return the call at the earliest opportunity. Please keep a list of all medications being taken. We also ask that you have the telephone number of the pharmacy of your choice when you call the physician with a medical problem, as you may require a prescription.
When an emergency occurs that requires immediate attention, it may be best for you to go to one of our local hospitals. We admit patients to Ocala Regional Medical Center, Munroe Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital. The dedicated Oncology floor is located at Ocala Regional Medical Center.
If an ambulance is necessary, please call 911.
Prescriptions and Refills:
Please call for prescriptions and refills during office hours as it may be necessary to review your chart prior to renewing a prescription. Please check the quantity of all medications you are taking before each weekend and holiday and obtain prescription renewals when necessary. For emergency prescription renewals we ask that you keep a list of medications you are currently taking and the telephone number of your pharmacy. Narcotics, which include most pain medication and other sedative drugs, require a written prescription and cannot be called in over the phone. We also request that you bring a list of your current medications each time you have an office visit. This will minimize duplication that might occur or any misunderstandings of doses that result from changes that are advised. Cancer patients are frequently treated with a wide variety of medicines, some of which might be prescribed by your family physicians. Accordingly, a current list of medications is of substantial importance to us. It is also important to let us know of any drug allergies or reactions you might have had to any medications in
the past.
Confidentiality:
We will not release any of your medical records to insurance companies or other professionals without your prior written approval.
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The
information provided within this website is not intended as medical
advice. It should never be substituted for a consultation with a
healthcare professional. Please contact your physician or visit a US
Oncology practice with questions or concerns about your health
condition.
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