Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I access my medical records?
A. You may obtain your medical records once you have completed a Release form. You may access our Forms section to download the Medical Records Release form.
Q. How can I get a refill on my medications?
A. Most patients can call direct to their pharmacy when they need a prescription refilled. The pharmacy contacts our office and our staff processes your request quickly.
Q. Why do I need to tell the medical scheduler the reason for my visit?
A. Our medical scheduler will need to know some basic information to be certain the right amount of time will be provided on the schedule for your visit.
Q. How long do I need to fast for a “fasting lab”?
A. You should not eat or drink for 10 hours prior to your lab draw. You may have water, black coffee or black tea. You may also take any daily medications.
Q. Can I have my blood drawn at Family Medicine Associates if an outside physician has ordered the lab work?
A. No. Outside lab orders will need to be directed to the hospital or other public laboratory facility.
Q. What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
A. According to the American Academy of of Physician Assistants, PAs are health care professionals licensed or credentialed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs may conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, consult on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants may be autonomous in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Q. What is the difference between a PA (Physician Assistant) and a doctor/physician?
A. The main difference between the education of a PA and the education of a physician is not the core content, but the amount of time spent in formal education. Along with school, physicians are required to do an internship, and most doctors complete a residency in a specialty following that. PAs do not have to undertake an internship or residency, but must complete the clinical rotations required by their respective program. Because PAs are educated with a similar curriculum and train at many of the same sites and facilities, physicians and PAs develop a similarity in medical reasoning during their schooling that allows for congruity of thought in the clinical setting. More information may be found at www.aapa.org.