Got Questions?
Got Questions?
Read through our frequently asked questions section to learn more about the health care services we offer. Alternatively, you may contact our clinic in Saluda, South Carolina if your query is not included on our list.
How do I schedule an appointment?
How do I schedule an appointment?
Our appointment staff at all of our locations are ready to assist you in making an appointment. When you call, they will ask you a few questions regarding your medical needs. This is to help us schedule the appropriate amount of time with the doctor.
Providing the asked information when making an appointment can also help lessen the chances of getting re-scheduled at later times. Please have your insurance information available immediately as well.
It is best to arrive 20 minutes earlier than your appointment time to complete, check, and update your provided information over the phone. We ask new patients to arrive 30 minutes earlier to fill out the required information.
If you come in 15 minutes late for a regularly scheduled appointment or 5 minutes late for a procedure, you may be asked to re-schedule at the physician's discretion. If you must cancel an appointment, please call us as soon as possible. We ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance so that we may re-schedule your appointment accordingly and give your slot to another patient.
Note: If you miss 3 or more appointments within a year without 24-hour prior notice, you may be dismissed as a patient from our clinic.
What if I have an emergency or medical need after-hours?
What if I have an emergency or medical need after-hours?
Emergencies should be handled according to the guidelines provided by your insurance company. In the event of a life or limb-threatening emergency, please call 911 and/or go to your nearest hospital emergency room and have them notify your family physician upon your arrival.
In an urgent situation that is not life or limb-threatening, please contact our main number, 864-445-2250, for further instructions. Our after-hours telephone service is available by calling the hospital, 803-276-7570. Once the operator receives your call, they will page the doctor on-call if your medical need cannot wait until the next business day.
Please note that lab results and prescription refills are not available through the clinic or by telephone during evenings and weekends.
Do you accept walk-ins? How do I request a prescription refill?
Do you accept walk-ins? How do I request a prescription refill?
We ask that you contact your pharmacy if you need to transfer a prescription to another drugstore or if you need a refill on a routine medication, even if the label reads “0 refills” or “doctor must authorize."
The pharmacy will then call our office for authorization. Please follow up with your pharmacy to verify the status of your refill request. Our office will process requests from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
We advise that you plan 5 days ahead when requesting your refill to allow adequate processing time. If your last office visit was more than 6 months ago or if we have not previously diagnosed your condition, you may be asked to schedule an office visit. Refills are not processed through the clinic nor by the doctor on call during evenings and weekends.
How can I receive a copy of my medical records?
How can I receive a copy of my medical records?
Our Medical Records Department can be reached at 864-445-2250 to request copies of your records. They may be transferred to another physician's office or hospital as a complimentary service. A 50¢ per page fee will be charged for records copied for insurance, legal, and individual purposes. We must have a signed release before issuing patient records. Please allow us 48 to 72 hours of processing time.
What is your financial policy?
What is your financial policy?
We strive to keep our fees fair and competitive within our community. Cash, check, and most major credit cards are accepted as payment for services. Our clinic accepts several insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles are due at the time of service. If we are a participating provider with your insurance company, we will file your insurance claims and accept payments from them. To provide this service, we will need to verify your health insurance coverage with the following information:
- Name and address of insurance company
- Group number
- Subscriber's and/or patient's full name
- Subscriber's and/or patient's social security number
- Subscriber's and/or patient's insurance identification number
- Subscriber's and/or patient's place of employment
- Subscriber's and/or patient's correct address
- Subscriber's and/or patient's date of birth
We ask that you present your current insurance card at each visit. To avoid billing problems, we ask that you provide us with updated information as the changes occur.
There may be times when you will be asked to file your own insurance claims or to follow up personally with the insurance company. If the insurance has not paid within 60 days, the outstanding balance will be considered as your responsibility and the payment will be due at that time.
New patients are required to pay the first visit in full at the time of service unless we are able to verify the insurance eligibility and benefits before your appointment. A refund will be issued if the insurance pays for the visit.
Non-insured patients will be asked to pay the balance in full as services are rendered or to make payment arrangements with the Business Office, 864-445-2250, before receiving care. We offer a prompt pay 20% discount for non-insured patients.
At Emmanuel Family Clinic, we strive to provide our patients with the best medical care possible. In return, we expect you to meet your financial obligations.
What if I have a question about my account?
What if I have a question about my account?
If you have questions regarding your account with Emmanuel Family Clinic Saluda, you may call our Business Office at 864-445-2250, from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We ask that you inform us as soon as you experience any changes in your insurance coverage, address, telephone numbers, or family member/dependent status. This will help us avoid unnecessary problems or delays on your account.
What are my rights and responsibilities as a patient?
What are my rights and responsibilities as a patient?
Your Rights as a Patient:
Your Rights as a Patient:
- Be treated with respect and consideration at all times
- Review your medical care records and to have the information explained or interpreted as necessary, except when restricted by law
- Have your medical records and communications be treated as confidential to protect your privacy
- Have your physician help you understand any information and option concerning the diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition and be informed of any risks involved before giving consent for such treatment
- Refuse treatment or to discontinue treatment within legal boundaries and be informed of possible consequences should you refuse treatment
- Receive an explanation of your bill regardless of insurance status
- Make a formal complaint to our Quality Improvement Committee at any time you feel these rights have been neglected (you may register your complaint by writing to us, calling our Patient Advocate Line, by speaking with one of our managers through phone)
- Have an advance directive concerning treatment or designation of a surrogate decision-maker
Your Responsibilities as a Patient:
Your Responsibilities as a Patient:
- Provide us with accurate and current information regarding your past and present illnesses/complaints, hospitalizations, and medications, as well as your address, telephone numbers, and insurance information
- Inform your physician if you do not understand the recommended treatment and to notify him/her of any changes in your condition
- Follow the physician's instructions and keep appointments as advised
- Fulfill your financial obligations
- Be considerate of other patients in the clinic and treat our staff with courtesy and respect
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
New patients should arrive 30 minutes earlier than their scheduled time for their appointment. Established patients should arrive 15 minutes earlier than their scheduled time for their appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?
What should I bring to my appointment?
All patients should bring a list of any medication they are currently taking, medical records if available, as well as their insurance card and their driver's license when coming in for an appointment.