FAQ

Why do you do things differently from other doctors?  First, Dr. Moore and Dr. Blackburn are self-employed. This allows our practice to be different in ways we feel benefit our patients and staff, as well as the physicians. Secondly, our philosophy is that you are responsible for your health and we have the privilege and responsibility to assist you.  This teamwork will only work if each does their part. When we fail, we will do our best to correct these failures.

Are you accepting new patients?  Yes, with two considerations:  We are not taking new patients who need someone to prescribe ongoing narcotic/opiod medications.  We also ask potential Medicare patients to complete an information form so we can determine if we will be able to adequately meet their specific needs (for some patients there may be a better fit elsewhere).

Can my first visit be for a well-physical?  Due to the amount of time we reserve for these appointments, and the disruption caused when people do not show up, we reserve these appointments for existing patients (exceptions may be made if you are referred to us by an existing patient who is your family member).  You may schedule an initial regular visit during which we may get to know you, and begin to address your health concerns.

What insurances do you accept?   We accept most insurances, Humana PEEHIP (Medicare), but not commercial Humana, Cigna/Healthsprings or Medicaid.

Can I become your patient if I do not have insurance?  Yes. Because it is difficult to know what your visit will cost, you need to be prepared to pay up to $200 at the time of the visit.  This does not include labs tests which may be sent out.

What should I do prior to my office visit?

Always (every visit) bring an updated list of your current medications, (even if “It is the same as last time”) that indicates the strength and when they are taken.

What do I need to bring to my office visit? At every visit, bring your medication list, insurance card, driver’s license, and payment method for copay (which we are required to collect at the time of visit) and deductable, if you have not paid that amount for the present calendar year. 

Can I be seen if I don’t have an appointment?  Yes. However, the most efficient way is to set up an appointment, which can often be done the same day.  If you are seen as a “walk-in”, you should expect a longer wait than usual.

What if I need a prescription refilled?  We do refills during office visits for several reasons. Prescribing medications correctly is critical and frequently requires careful consideration- best done with face-to-face discussion.  Calling our office to request your medication refill creates work that distracts our staff from their primary tasks.  Set up an appointment instead- we can usually get you in without delay. As you check out after your office visits, we strongly request you schedule your next follow-up visit so you do not run out of medication.

Do you do preventive health visits?  Yes, we call these “Well physicals”.  These allow extra time to look at overall health and to consider ways to improve or maintain the health of our patients. They consist of reviewing your history and any symptoms you may be having, an in-depth examination, and ordering of appropriate lab testing or other studies.

Patients often request their prescription refills be done when they are here for a physical.  This can be a distraction from the preventive health nature of this visit.  It also may not be possible due to the extra time needed to appropriately consider the medical problems and risk/benefit of the medication.  Therefor a separate visit is often best.  If prescriptions (either new or continuing) are given at the time of a well-physical, then an appropriate office visit will also be charged (and co-pay collected).

 Dr. Blackburn does DOT/CDL physicals ($75 charge, not covered by insurance).

What immunizations do you give in your office?  Hepatitis B, influenza quadrivalent and high dose (beginning in late September/mid-October), pneumonia (Pneumovax and Prevnar, tetanus / diptheria / pertussis (called TdaP). We also do TB skin testing.

What if I need to talk with someone after the office closes?  First, if you think you are having a life-threatening emergency- don’t waste time- call 911.  If your concern cannot wait until we re-open, call the office (205-980-9944) and speak with our answering service.  A physician is available to help answer your medical question. You might be charged a telehealth visit at the discretion of the provider.

Do you accept “worker’s comp” cases?  Yes, if you have contact information so we can confirm approval by your employer for us to treat you.  If your injury occurred at work, then your visit will likely fall under worker’s compensation coverage.

Which hospitals do you use?   We stopped seeing patients in the hospital several years ago. This allows us to focus on preventing medical problems and hospitalization.  Another reason is the increasing complexity of medical practice requirements.  Our patients may go to the hospital of their choice, where they will be under the care of a “hospitalist” (a provider who only takes care of inpatients) and specialists.  We can help make those arrangements when needed.

What vaccinations/medications do I need to go overseas? This is a complicated question depending on many things. We recommend you go to the website cdc.gov/travel, select your destination, and review what is recommended.  It is best to start this process several months before your travel.  There are several Travel Clinics in town which specialize in this.  We have some vaccines which might be needed (see the section above), and are able to prescribe medications to prevent malaria and motion sickness. (An office visit is required.)

How do I get a copy of my medical records?  Complete a “medical record release form” which is available at our office. This will be submitted to the copying service which comes to our office once a week.

May I get a copy of my charges for my tax return?  Yes, but there will be an administrative fee.

Lab questions

When do I need to fast, and what does that mean? Fasting (for our purposes) means no food or drink (except water) for at least 8 hours prior to your visit. This is ideal if you expect to have blood sugar or cholesterol tests. This will be done for most “well physicals” (but the doctors can make adjustments if you forget).  We always recommend you drink 1-2 glasses of water prior to coming because this can help with getting the blood sample, and makes kidney testing more accurate.

How long will it take to get my lab or test results?  We want to notify you as soon as we are able. However, it might be 2 weeks before the doctor considers your results and we let you know. If there is something urgent, this will be communicated more quickly. Please call if you have not heard from us after 2 weeks (calling earlier creates unnecessary work for us that interferes with what we should be doing).

Is there another way I can get my lab results?  Quest has a portal where you may set up an account and login (questdiagnostics.com).  Do not use this option if this will cause you to worry- or call our office about abnormal results.  (Please see the section above.)

If you want a printed copy of your results, you may provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for us to mail them.