Bluffton Primary Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are accepting new patients. Please call our office at 843-706-8690 to set up an appointment. Each doctor has a different availability for new patients.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We are contracted with most major insurance companies, as well as with Medicare and some Medicaid plans. Please contact your carrier to ensure that we are in-network providers. If we are not in-network with your insurance provider we can still see you as a patient, but there may be a higher out-of-pocket expense for you.
What should I bring with me to my first appointment with you?
On the day of your first visit, please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time in order to register and provide or update any information that may be required by your insurance carrier. Please bring any pertinent medical records with you as well as a list of your current medications.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is 24 hours. If you are an established patient and arrive 15 minutes late for your appointment, you will need to reschedule. New patients are expected to arrive 30 minutes early for registration. If you have not arrived by at least 15 minutes prior to the visit, you will need to reschedule.
How do I make a payment?
Co-payments and payments on an existing balance are due at the time of your visit. We accept all major credit cards, cash or checks.
Can I call during office hours to speak to the doctor or nurse?
Throughout the day the doctors and clinical staff are dedicated to caring for patients in the office. If you call during office hours your call will be handled by a staff member who can take a message and consult with the doctor/nurse about your questions and call you back. Non-urgent clinical questions will be answered within 24 hours.
Do you have same-day appointments?
Yes, we set aside time everyday for same-day, non-emergent visits. If there is an urgent need to see us the same day, please try to call at the start of office hours (8:30 a.m.) and our staff will assist you in setting up a same-day appointment.
What is your medication refill policy?
Check your medication supply before each appointment to arrange for refills while at the office. If you run out of medication between visits, call your pharmacy. If the prescription needs to be renewed, the pharmacy will contact the office for approval. We do not renew routine prescriptions or narcotic prescriptions after hours. You may leave a voice mail message with your pharmacy so that your prescription can be refilled during usual business hours.
How do I get my test results?
Our office will notify you of your test results and/or the need to make an appointment with the doctor. If you have not been contacted within two weeks of your test, call the office immediately at (843) 706-8690.
What is the process for obtaining a referral?
Should you need the care of a specialist we will put together a packet including your last office note, medication summary, any pertinent tests or labs, and a Referral Request Form that is sent via fax to the doctor of choice. The doctor’s office will then call you to schedule an appointment, or send us back an appointment time and we will contact you. If you have not heard from our office or the specialist’s office within one week, please call our office. If an authorization is needed from your insurance company, please mention it to our staff and we will take care of that for you.
What do I do if I need a vaccination?
Our office offers several vaccinations including flu, pneumonia and shingles. These vaccinations can be given during your existing appointment or you can make a separate appointment for the vaccination. For a shingles shot, you are required to pay the cost ($273) for the vaccine up front and this will be reimbursed to you upon payment by your insurance company.
Can your staff give me an injection of medication that I already have?
Yes, an appointment is required for this but we can administer your injection. Our office cannot store your medication; this will have to be brought by you every time it is given.
What should I do if the office is closed and I need to speak with the doctor?
In the event of an emergency, please call 911 for assistance, otherwise, you may call Beaufort Memorial Hospital at 522-5200 and have the on-call physician paged. If the call is pertaining to non-urgent matters such as refill requests, non-urgent medical questions, or rescheduling of an appointment, the message should be addressed the following business day as the doctors refrain from prescribing treatment over the phone and after hours.
If I am hospitalized will my doctor take care of me in the hospital?
All of the hospitals in the area have well-qualified, dedicated doctors called “hospitalists” who will provide for your medical care and arrange any needed specialists in the hospital. Hospitalists are uniquely trained to care for hospitalized patients and will offer 24-hour availability to meet your needs immediately, if needed. Our doctors will receive a report from the hospital when you are discharged. Please follow your hospital discharge instructions carefully, and note that they will usually direct you to schedule a follow-up appointment with your primary care doctor.
How do I report customer service issues?
Bluffton Primary Care strives to provide the highest quality care in the most courteous and efficient manner. If you have a concern, we encourage you to share your concerns with our office manager. We will try to resolve your concern or bring the matter to the attention of someone who can. Our office manager is available to listen to your compliments, concerns, issues, or if you just need information or assistance. You may call our office manager at 707-8802 Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
How can I obtain a copy of my medical record?
To obtain your medical records from another facility for your file here, we require that you fill out a Medical Records Release Form. This release form is in compliance with all of the laws protecting your privacy. We will either securely fax or mail this request to your previous doctor. Once we receive the records, we will scan them into your chart for our doctor’s reference.
How do I transfer my medical record to a new doctor?
To transfer your records to a new doctor, we will also need you to fill out a Medical Records Release Form. This form will need to include where you would like your records transferred. We will then forward this request to Healthport, a medical records outsourcing company, and they will mail your records to you or your new doctor. There is a fee for this service and an invoice will be mailed to you.
How will I receive lab orders?
Several of our doctors prefer that your routine lab work be done before your routine visit. If you do not have your lab orders on hand, please call our office so that we can prepare them in anticipation of your lab visit. Your prepared orders will then be available from the Front Desk Receptionist.
What if I need my doctor’s help completing a form?
If you need disability, life insurance or other forms or papers filled out by our office, we ask that you make an appointment with your doctor. This process takes a lot of time and often requires information that can only be obtained by talking with you. Please schedule an appointment if you need this service.
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