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About Us

Dear Patient:

We extend you a warm welcome to our practice.  This letter intends to answer some questions asked of us.

MEMBERS OF OUR PROFESSIONAL TEAM  

Dr. Marathe is a board certified Internal Medicine specialist who is also board certified in the field of Nephrology (kidney disorders), Critical Care Medicine (1987 to 1997) and Geriatric Medicine (care of the elderly). Professor Mandal, M.D. is a board certified Internal Medicine specialist who is also board certified in the field on Nephrology (kidney disorders). Dr. Omar is board certified in Family Practice Medicine. Dr. Rabkin is board certified in family practice. Dr Anjum is board certified Internal Medicine and Nephrology. Dr Farghaly is board certified in family practice medicine. Dr Ranjan is board certified in Internal Medicine as well as board elligible in Nephrology and Geriatrics.

OFFICE POLICIES

Typically, on the first visit to our office you will be requested to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire (if not previously sent to you in the mail) regarding you medical history.  A nurse will interview you first followed by the physician who will examine you,  summarize the findings, and chart further course.  If x-rays or other special tests are required, our office will explain and schedule these for you.  If it is necessary to return to our office, you will be scheduled for a return appointment at the time of your first visit.  When the tests are completed, the findings and our recommendations will be discussed with you and a synopsis of your case will be mailed to you as well as to your referring physician,  if any,  unless you indicate otherwise.

APPOINTMENTS

If a return appointment is not made we encourage our established patients to call for an appointment as far in advance as possible.  If it becomes necessary to cancel or reschedule and appointment, we would appreciate your letting the office know in advance so that we may give your time slot to another patient in need.

EMERGENCY CARE

Should a medical emergency arise,  please call our office and you will be seen either in the office or in the hospital emergency room of Flagler Hospital or Putnam Community hospital where our physicians primarily admit patients.  In the event of a severe situation,  go immediately to the emergency room of any hospital of you choice.  The emergency room doctor will then evaluate you and call the physician on call from our group.

OFFICE HOURS AND TELEPHONE CALLS

Our St. Augustine office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Our Palm Coast office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.  The office staff has been especially trained to answer most of your questions.  If a staff member is unable to answer your questions immediately, your chart will be reviewed and the answer will be relayed from the doctor.  If you must speak with the doctor he will return you call at his earliest convenience.

PRESCRIPTION RENEWALS

In the event you need a refill on any of your medications, please call the office at least 24 hours in advance to insure you do not completely run out or have your pharmacy contact our office.

FEE, BILLING AND INSURANCE

Office fees vary,  depending on the complexity of your problem. Initial examination, evaluation and treatment requiring an unusual amount of time, skill or judgement will carry a greater charge than a brief examination or treatment.  It is important that our office have current insurance information about you.  Please have your insurance cards available so the receptionist can obtain a copy of them and advise us if there has been any change in your insurance status.  It is our policy that payment for office visits or co-pays must be collected at the time of visit.  As a courtesy we will send a claim to your insurance company for your reimbursement.  Our group participates with many plans and will gladly file these accordingly. For Hastings clinic only, we are committed to serve all patients seeking services irrespective of their financial abilities.  We will follow a sliding fee schedule in our Hastings clinic.

In the event that you are hospitalized, our office will file claim with your insurance company for professional services provided to you as an inpatient in the hospital.  You will be asked to sign an authorization form before your admission so that we may process these claims as promptly as possible after your discharge.  It is our office policy that any balance after an insurance carrier has paid, be cleared within sixty days.

STATEMENTS

You will be receiving a statement from our office each month as long as there is an outstanding balance on your account.  It is our office policy that statements are due and payable upon receipt.  If at any time you are not certain about the current status of your account or should there be any need for special financial arrangements, please feel free to call our office.

LAST WORD

We appreciate the confidence and trust you have placed in us by asking us to be your health care provider.  Our mission is to serve you by providing quality medical care.  To live up to this mission, we need your input.  We value your complaints, or suggestions, and request that you write or call the office manager, Sharon Koufas or discuss them with our physicians.

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