How do I know what positions are available?
Openings are updated weekly on our job line, which can be assessed at 936-2556. We also update our job opportunities weekly on the web site.

Where do I fill out an application?
We appreciate your interest in Physicians’ Primary Care and wish you success in your job search. Applications can be obtained from any Physicians’ Primary Care office during normal business hours. Applications and or resumes can also be faxed to 239-275-0705.

How do I get selected for an interview?
Our supervisors review applications daily to search for the most qualified candidates for their open positions. If your skills and abilities are a match for one of our available positions, you will be contacted for an interview.

Physicians’ Primary Care is a drug free/smoke free workplace. Pre- employment drug screening is required.

BILLING

Who do I contact if I have a question regarding my statement?
Please contact the Central Billing Office at (239) 275-5857.

If I receive a statement does this mean I owe the balance?
Yes, if you receive a statement with a patient due balance you are responsible. If you feel you do not owe the balance please contact the Central billing Office at (239) 275-5857 so that we may assist you with your billing questions.

What if I cannot pay my entire bill?
You will need to contact the Central Billing Office at (239) 275-5857 as soon as possible and speak with a Patient Account Representative to set up a payment arrangement.

Will you bill my secondary insurance?
Yes. Once your primary insurance carrier has made their payment we will file your claims as a courtesy to your secondary insurance. If we do not receive payment after forty- five (45) days from the date we filed the claim, then the balance will become the patient responsibility.

OFFICE VISITS

What exactly is a complete physical exam?
It is a comprehensive history and head to toe examination. It may or may not include an EKG, CXR, a stress test, or other screening tests depending on the patient’s age, sex, prior history or risk factors.

What if I can’t make my appointment?
Call immediately to reschedule! This not only helps you but also allows another sick patient to be able to seen in your opening.

How long does it take to get refills?
Do not wait until you are completely out of your medication before calling. We require 48-hour advance notice of refill requests in order that we may properly record them and contact the pharmacy.

What should I bring to my appointment?
New patients should bring their insurance card, immunization records (children), and any previous medical record if not already sent to the practice and a current list of medications.

OBGYN

Who will deliver my baby if my Doctor/Midwife is not on call?
Our Doctors/Midwives rotate call in the evenings and on the weekends. If your provider is not on call, another Doctor/Midwife will be available. We do not require you meet all the Doctors/Midwives that deliver at your hospital of choice, but if you would like to, you can. See the list of Doctors/Midwives available at each hospital in this packet.

Emergency/Problems after hours?
If you have a problem, you need to call your Doctors/Midwifes regular office phone number. Follow the directions and you will be transferred to an answering service and then the nurse on call will return your call. If you do not receive a call back within 30 minutes, please call again to verify your information with the answering service.

Can I go to the Dentist?
If you are having a dental problem, you may go to the dentist. Please give our office 24-hour notice for the nurse to prepare your Doctor’s recommendation and limitations to give to your Dentist.

May I travel?
You may travel by car or by plane up until 35 weeks for a normal pregnancy. Please review with your Doctor/Midwife prior to purchasing any tickets. It is recommended that you stay hydrated and walk around every hour when traveling. It is also recommended that you take a copy of your records with you. Please give our office 24-hour notice to prepare them for you. Please check with Cruise lines as they have earlier restrictions when pregnant.

How many Ultrasounds to I get?
We generally do an ultrasound the first visit to confirm pregnancy and check accuracy of the dates in the first trimester. Then a complete ultrasound at 18-20 weeks for the purpose of checking the well being of your baby. If your baby cooperates with their position, we may be able to check the sex of your baby too. We also offer 3-D ultrasounds 26-31 weeks. Please review the flyer in this packet.

May I color my hair or get artificial nails?
Usually approved after the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.

Can I go tanning?
Tanning is not recommended in pregnancy.

Amusement rides?
Amusement rides are not recommended for pregnant patients.

What do I do if I get into a car accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, you should always report first to the Emergency Room for evaluation of you and your baby.

Can I take a tour of the hospital?
The hospital does have scheduled tours of the Birth Centers. Please call 239-432-3271 to arrange.

How many people can be in my delivery room?
The hospital allows 3 support people for vaginal delivery, and 1 person for C-section. Please contact your hospital for further questions.

What Do I need to do if I want an Epidural?
If you are planning an Epidural for labor and have medical conditions that may affect this decision, please speak to an anesthesiologist prior to your admission to the hospital. You do not need to register or pre-pay for this service unless you have to deliver at Gulf Coast Hospital.

Can I exercise?
Exercise is permitted if low impact. No running or jumpy exercises. Yoga, Pilate’s, and strength training is approved if you are having a routine pregnancy without complications. Make sure you stay hydrated and stop any activity that causes any cramping or spotting.

What are the diet recommendations for a pregnant woman?
Small frequent meals are encouraged. We also recommend drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day. A healthy variety is suggested from the food pyramid. No uncooked meats, sushi, or oysters. Please refer to the brochures provided about the consumption of fish, lunchmeats, and cheeses. No alcohol, caffeine, smoking or recreational drugs. Also limit artificial sweeteners to 1-2 servings a day.

What do I do if I need paperwork filled out for Disability/FMLA?
Please leave the paperwork with the office and give us some time to review with your Doctor/Midwife. Please allow us a few days to complete as we have several forms to fill out for other obstetrical patients. There is a fee for us to complete those forms: $10.00 for 1 page, $25.00 for 2 or more pages.

Can I go in hot tubs/Jacuzzi’s?
Not recommended in the first 13 weeks. After the first trimester, you make take baths and use Jacuzzi’s with a temperature no higher than 100 degrees and limit soaking times. Please have someone with you as you may become lightheaded and need assistance.

Can I have sex during pregnancy?
You may have sex throughout the pregnancy unless your Doctor/Midwife tells you otherwise. You may experience spotting and cramping for a short time after sex.

What should I do if I experience swelling?
Swelling in your feet and hands are common in pregnancy. Elevate the extremity above the heart and increase the amount of water your drinking. Also decrease the sodium intake in your diet and increase the protein. Remember, any foods packaged, canned, or frozen are generally higher in sodium. If you don’t have any improvement in the swelling or also have headaches, dizziness, or any visual changes, you must notify the office right away.

What if I come in contact with someone with Chicken pox, Fifth’s disease, or CMV?
If you’ve had chicken pox or have been immunized, there is no concern for you or your baby. If you have not, avoid contact with that individual, or call the office for advice. If you have direct contact with an individual with Fifth’s disease, call the office for an appointment and blood test.

What should I do if I have a rash?
Please call the office prior to coming in if you have a rash. We want to protect other patients if you have something that might be contagious. A nurse will instruct you on what to do.

What is Cord Blood Banking?
It is a birthing option that enables parents to have their newborns’ cord blood collected and cryopreserved for future use. To get more information, visit WebMD and search “cord blood banking”. There is a fee for the Doctor/Midwife to collect cord blood. Check with the office for fees.