The following information is designed to answer questions patients frequently have about how our practice works. The more you know, the more we can be of service to you. We take pride in our professional service and our health care team is here to serve your needs.
Appointments: We see patients on an appointment basis. We request that you call in advance so that we can reserve a time for you. We know how valuable your time is, and we make every effort to see you promptly. When births or emergencies cause conflicts in scheduling, we notify you as quickly as possible. Please be sure we have your updated phone numbers. If you need to cancel an appointment, please call us 24 hours or more in advance so we may allow another patient to have that appointment time. Missed appointments or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are subject to $25.00 fee. If the doctor is running late or is called to an emergency, you will be offered the choice of rescheduling or waiting. We will try to reschedule you at your convenience.
Telephone Calls: We encourage you to call our office with any questions you have regarding your care. Our knowledgeable office staff will be able to answer many of you questions directly or may relay your questions to Dr. Delgado or Meredith Keet MS, Women's Nurse Practitioner. They will return your call at their earliest opportunity. Most calls are returned at lunch or after office hours.
After Hour Telephone Calls: If you find it necessary to contact Dr. Delgado after regular office hours, the answering service will page the doctor or the physician on call. Dr. Delgado is in an all female call group which includes, Dr. Janine Walker, Dr. Jeanette Walker, Dr. Sari Kasper, and Dr. Margeret Craig. Please let the answering service know the nature of your call, your call will be returned at the earliest opportunity. If it is a true emergency or you are patient in labor and can not wait for a call back, please go to the nearest emergency room, or if pregnant, go to John Muir Labor and Delivery.
Prescriptions and Renewals: Most prescriptions are written with automatic refills for one year or until you next annual examination is due. If you should need an extension on a prescription written by us, please call during regular office hours to request an extra refill until your next visit. Have the telephone number of the pharmacy you wish to use available when you call. Please do not call after hours or weekends for prescription refills, pain medication or antibiotics. Your medical chart is not available for review. If you need to be seen, please use the urgent care clinic at night or on weekends. If you are taking birth control medications or hormone replacement, please plan ahead to allow 2-3 days for prescription refills.
Fees and Payments: We make every effort to keep the cost of your medical care as economical as possible. You can help by paying your co-pay at the beginning of each visit. Other arrangements can be made with our office manager depending upon special circumstances. You will be charged an extra $10.00 if we bill you for your co-pay.
Insurance Patients: With proper referral or authorization, we will bill your insurance for you. Please remember you are responsible for any deductible, co-pays, co-insurance, or any other balance not covered by your insurance policy. Co-pays are due at the time of each visit. If you carry a balance greater than 90 days, those accounts are referred to a collection agency, so we can concentrate on providing your health care.
If you are insured by an HMO insurance, contact your Primary Care Physician to obtain a referral or authorization if one is required. Our practice is considered to be a Specialist practice and often requires prior authorization. If you do not have a referral or authorization, you may have to pay for your visit at the time services are rendered.