Medical Office Policy & Procedures
Due to the extremely sensitive nature of health records, the doctor’s office has many of the same policies that apply to legal practices. Doctor-patient consultation is guarded and guided by the same rules as those between a lawyer and his client. As such, the staff is also required to keep all information private, and doctors hire based on the work related experience, character and conduct of the prospective employee.
Medical Office Policies and Procedures
When you arrive at the doctor’s office, you will be required to fill out a consent and a medical history form. These forms give the doctor permission to treat you and tell him what possibilities he should look for while examining you. It’s important to fill out the medical history form as thoroughly as possible for this reason.
They should also explain the HIPAA information and have you sign a piece of paper stating that you have had patient rights explained to you. HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Office Visits and Appointments
When you make an appointment with your doctor, always try to be on time or preferably 15 to 20 minutes early so that they can collect blood or urine samples where needed for a thorough health screening of the issues you’re experiencing. If you cannot make an appointment, unless it’s an emergency situation, most doctors prefer that you call 24 to 48 hours, prior to the appointment to cancel.
Examination
For legal reasons, a nurse or assistant is always present during an examination. Any information exchanged between you and your doctor is private and will not be discussed with anyone that does not have a need or a reason to know about your physical condition (consulting physician or Nurse Practitioner).
Medical Records
All information gathered and kept on file is private and is not distributed unless you have consented to have the information shared for research purposes. In cases where a rare disease is being treated, sharing the information can be beneficial and can help to increase the possibility of finding a cure.
Requesting Information From Tests
If you’ve had tests done and are waiting for the doctor to call, you must wait. Most employees in a doctor’s office will not be privy to the information and cannot help with your request.
Prescriptions and Drugs
By law, the doctor has to examine you before prescribing any medication or drug for your condition. If you have taken the full allotment of the prescription and are still feeling ill, you will need to make another appointment to acquire more medication. It’s important that you do so because there could be further examination and information needed.
Billing
Most doctors require you to pay at the time of the office visit. If you owe the doctor money, he will likely request you pay before seeing you again.