Appointments
We find it necessary to schedule our work by appointment. You may be requested to make an appointment. This allows us to provide adequate time for your care. Please ensure you are clear and thorough about what you need to be seen for. We schedule allotted times based on the reason for the visit. We may not be able to see you if there is not adequate time on the schedule for concerns you were not originally schedule for.
Please note the following regarding our appointment policy
Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment
Late arrivals may be asked to reschedule
Delays in the schedule will happen as unexpected emergencies occur.
Extensive and Complex issues may take time to address and plan. We may not be able to complete everything in one visit. Your provider wants to ensure the quality of care and may request return visits if necessary. **
If one of us is ill or cannot make it into the office, we will try and have another provider see you or reschedule your appointment as soon as possible
A No show fee may be charged for visits not canceled within 24 hours
You may be Discharged after the 3rd No Show Fee
You must keep your follow-up appointments for medication refills.
Non-face-to-face patient-initiated communications, such as phone calls or emails, maybe a billable service. Advice, education, and other directions performed outside of an examination may be billed to your insurance, and copays may apply according to your insurance provisions.
To ensure that each patient receives the attention they deserve, we kindly ask that you schedule separate appointments for each family member. This allows us to provide the best care possible and respect the patients' time following your appointment.
**Complex issues take time to address. Your provider wants to ensure the quality of care and may request return visits if necessary. Many issues brought up during appointments for which we may need separate visits. Here are some of the standard conditions that may require a dedicated visit:
Diabetes Plan and Management
Weight Loss Management
Anxiety and Depression
Chronic Pain management
Complex Chronic Disease management requiring coordination with specialists
FMLA and Disability paperwork
Procedures
Hospital and ER follow-up appts
Abnormal Lab Results
Referrals
ON-CALL SAME-DAY URGENT REQUESTS
We reserve and save appointment times on our schedule to address acute issues that may require immediate attention.
Visalia Family Practice Medical Group operates as a unified entity. Our providers can see you regardless of your assigned primary care physician (PCP). This arrangement improves access to care and allows us to share emergency hours with our patients. If your PCP is experiencing a higher-than-usual number of appointment requests, we always offer you the closest available appointment within the group. Our providers collaborate to ensure you receive the quickest care possible.
Urgent or same-day appointments are reserved for issues that need immediate attention. These appointments are not meant to replace regular follow-up visits with your provider to cover your ongoing healthcare needs. We may not address issues other than what needs to be immediately resolved. This allows us to give access to care for all of our patients and also allows us to see the patient after you on time.
ACCESS TO CARE
Your health is our top priority. We're committed to offering you a timely appointment when you need care. Our providers work with Mid-Level Practitioners and other physicians to help us achieve this goal, ensuring you receive the care you need when you need it.
We understand that your schedule is important. If you prefer to wait for a later appointment to fit your schedule better or see the practitioner of your choice, we'll respect your preference. In some cases, your wait may be longer than usual if a licensed healthcare professional decides that a later appointment won't have a negative effect on your health. We strive to accommodate your needs as much as possible.
The standards for appointment availability do not apply to preventive care services. Depending on your needs, your practitioner may recommend a specific schedule for these services. Preventive care services may include physical exams, vision and hearing tests, immunizations, health education, and more.
To ensure a high standard of care, please schedule your follow-up appointments when you are in the office. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule a visit with your PCP when something concerns you.