To help you understand our practice, we have included a list of questions people frequently ask us. We pride ourselves on communication and education, so never hesitate to bring us individual questions or ideas in person, at your visit, or online.
Office Policies & Procedures | Financial Policies | Electronic Medical Records | Patient’s Bill of Rights & Responsibilities
Office Policies & Procedures
What are your hours of operation?
We are open: Monday 9AM to 5:00PM Tuesday 9AM to 5:00PM Wednesday 9AM to 5;00PM Thursday 9AM to 5:00PM Friday 9AM to 2:00PM
What are your after hours and on-call coverage policies?
Please call the office (941-330-8885) and listen carefully to the message and follow the instructions on how to leave a message for the physician on call after hours. If Dr. Swor or Dr. KASH are out of town, be assured that there is another OB/OBGYN physician available 24/7. If it is a “life or death” emergency please call 911 for the most rapid response.
What is your cell phone policy?
As the use of cell phones has grown, we have become aware of how intrusive they are in a medical practice, interfering with communication between the patient and the staff. For the privacy of all our patients, we kindly request that all cell phones be turned off after you arrive at our office. Thank you for understanding!
How do you handle lab test results?
We will always try to contact you when an abnormal lab result is obtained. All test results are posted in your private record you can see through the portal. Pap test results that are normal aren't called to patients. Most other lab or imaging results will result in a courtesy call but we expect patients to use the portal if possible. Normal mammogram results are reported directly to patients by the imaging facility and posted in the portal also. Of course, you are always welcome to contact us regarding test results at any time if you have questions. The portal is excellent for private messages, but comprehensive discussions will require an office or telehealth visit.
When can I make an appointment?
You can always call during office hours to make an appointment. For existing patients, we also have an appointment request feature on our online patient portal. Please be courteous to call us 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment. Failure to keep a scheduled appointment without giving us prior notice is called a no-show and you will be charged a $25.00 no-show fee. We cannot tolerate repeated no-shows and patients who can't keep appointments will be discharged from the practice.
How can I get my Prescription refilled?
Refill requests are accepted during office hours only. Please do not contact the doctor when the office is closed for a refill unless running out of your medication poses a serious health risk. To arrange a refill, please call your pharmacy and ask them to contact our office. They can e-prescribe, fax or leave a message on our phone line 24/7 (941-330-8885). You can also request a refill online if you are registered in our patient portal.
How do you practice patient confidentiality?
Privacy is a major priority for our practice. We understand that at times a family member might have questions for us or would like to discuss a test result. Due to legal and ethical issues regarding patient confidentiality, we are unable to do this. Patients are entitled to strict confidentiality, and we do our best to maintain this. If you would like us to freely discuss your test results, etc. with a family member, please make sure you fill out a form called “Patient Consent to Communicate”. This form will be considered valid until you revoke the permission in writing.
Financial Policies
What form of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Unless otherwise advised, your payment/copay is due at the time of service.
Do you accept my insurance?
We are participating providers for most major insurance companies. Please feel free to call the office and check with one of the staff to make sure we accept your current plan. (941-330-8885) As a courtesy, we will be glad to bill insurance for you, but you are responsible for all amounts not covered by insurance, other than insurance-required contractual adjustments. Co-pays are due at the time of service. Please read our financial policy in the patient center forms section for more detailed information.
Do you file for secondary insurance?
Our office does not file to secondary insurance. If you have Medicare as your primary insurance and your secondary does not automatically crossover, then it is your responsibility to pay any balance not paid by your secondary. You may then file to your secondary for reimbursement.
What if I need an insurance authorization for a visit or procedure?
If your insurance requires authorization for office visits it is your responsibility to obtain this from your primary care physician. All appointments requiring authorization will be rescheduled if authorization is not on file.
Electronic Medical Records
What is an Electronic Medical Record?
An Electronic Medical Record (EMR) means that all your medical information is securely stored and is accessible digitally using our office computer system. Federal regulations known as HIPPA are in place to protect the integrity and confidentiality of your electronic medical data.
What are the advantages of using an EMR?
Here are a few of the reasons we have chosen to use the EMR: *Your chart is always available and cannot get lost or temporarily misplaced. *You can go online in the patient portal to update your personal and insurance information. *The EMR does not lose test results, they are stored permanently, and backups are constantly made and updated. * We can electronically send your prescription directly to your pharmacy. Future Developments: * You will be able to go online to update your medical information. *You will have a universal Electronic Health Record (EHR) that can be reviewed and updated by your different doctors in separate medical practices and hospitals.
Patient’s Bill of Rights & Responsibilities
What are my Patient Rights?
- I have the right to receive appropriate informed consent in advance of any treatment (test, prescription, procedure or surgery) being performed on me. This means that I will be informed of the reasons for the treatment, the alternatives, the risks and benefits of the treatment, and the risks if I choose not to have this treatment.
- I have the right to privacy. This means that all information about my health and in my medical record is absolutely confidential, and cannot be disclosed to any other individual or organization, except when I give my written permission, or when disclosure is mandated by law.
- I have a right to receive a complete copy of my medical record in a timely fashion upon my written request, and I agree to pay a reasonable fee for the work involved in providing me this copy.
- I have the right to be seen in a timely manner. I will be informed of any lengthy delay and have a right to reschedule.
- I have the right to be informed in a timely manner of all test results if requested.
- If I have an urgent medical condition, I have the right to speak to someone when I call and to be seen as soon as possible based on my condition.
