Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a physician at The Woodlands?
In most cases, no referral is necessary. If you have PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) insurance, you may choose any physician you prefer. If you have an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), you will need a referral from your primary care physician. If you are unsure of what type of insurance you have, please call us and we'll be happy to help you.
What can I expect on my first visit to Woodlands Medical Specialists?
Before you arrive at our office for your first visit, we will obtain your medical records. On your first visit to our office, you will meet with a Woodlands doctor and possibly an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner for a complete medical evaluation. This visit will include a thorough review of your medical history, a comprehensive exam, a review of your diagnosis, and an evaluation of your treatment options. Please bring all your medications with you to every doctor visit.
Prior to your appointment, we ask that you complete our new patient forms so we can make your visit as easy and comprehensive as possible. All information provided to us is strictly confidential and is not released to anyone without your written permission.
To make your first visit as easy and as smooth as possible:
- Download, print and fill-out the New Patient Form
- Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment with your New Patient Form on hand
Will you accept my insurance?
We participate in many insurance programs and are pleased to process claims with all insurance carriers. You are assigned a personal insurance coordinator who is familiar with your account. Contact your insurance coordinator during working hours at 850.696.4000
While your insurance agreement is a contract between you and your insurance company, we will work diligently with you to file your claims and advise you about the financial aspects of your visits.
How do I refill prescriptions?
Our phone nurses process medication refills during regular office hours. Call your pharmacy and ask them to contact us for refills. Strong pain medications cannot be refilled by telephone or fax, and you must come to the office to obtain the prescription. Please call the phone nurse or pharmacy several days before you run out of a medication so there is adequate time to process your request. The policy of Woodlands Medical Specialists is to refill medications only during regular office hours.
What do I do if I have an emergency?
If you have an emergency medical problem at any time, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.
What do I do if I have an urgent medical problem but I don't think it is an emergency?
If you have an urgent medical problem, call our office. After regular office hours, you can leave a message with our answering service, and they will quickly relay the message to our physician on call. The physician will contact you as soon as possible. The answering service and one of our physicians is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for urgent medical problems.
What is an urgent medical problem?
Urgent medical problems include sudden onset of any severe new pain, temperature of 100.5 or greater, hard shaking chills, uncontrolled pain, bleeding or burning with urination, sudden drop in blood pressure, or sudden shortness of breath. These symptoms may be indications of life-threatening infections or problems for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment and must be reported to our physicians immediately.
