FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why don't we have medication samples?

We do not keep samples of medications at our office. However, our office does remain committed to our patients in providing your needed medicines at the lowest cost. If your medicines are still too expensive, please let us know and we will help you look into lower cost options or patient assistance through the pharmaceutical companies.
 

Why do I need to bring my prescription medications with me to each visit?

It is important for you to bring your medications to every visit so that your provider can review what you’re currently taking, make sure everything is correct and up to date, and of course reevaluate if necessary. Medications can be changed if you are seen by another physician, in the ER, or in the hospital. You may also have questions about your medications, such as why you are taking them or about the medication side effects. The doctor may want to discuss your medicines with you and potentially make changes. For all these reasons and many others, it is important that you bring all of your medicines with you to every appointment.
 

Why do I have to come back for my lab/imaging results?

It is our clinic policy that labs and imaging results are not discussed over the phone. If your results were abnormal, the doctor will want to discuss that with you in person and make sure all your questions are answered. Your results may also require changes  to your medications or additional tests or images. Even if your results are normal, the provider will want to see you to ensure you are not experiencing any further symptoms or problems. If you are, despite your normal labs or imaging results, further treatment options or testing may need to be ordered or discussed.
 

What is my co-pay? Why do I have to pay it? Why is my co-pay a different amount than what other people are charged? Who decides how much I pay?

A copayment (copay) is a fixed amount your insurance company requires you to pay for each visit with your doctor. It is typically paid at the time of the appointment. Copay amounts can vary for different types of insurance and are determined by the insurance company, not by Cahaba Medical Care. If you are having trouble affording your copay, please ask about our sliding scale option to see if you might qualify.
 

If I call the office requesting refills or with a question for the nurse or doctor, how long should I expect before getting a response?

Typically, it is our policy to respond to patient phone calls within 24 hours. However, depending on the type of refill request and/or question, the nurse may need to discuss further with a doctor, which could prolong the process. Please be aware that we respond to most non-urgent phone calls at the end of the day once all patients with scheduled appointments have been cared for. Also, if you have called to request refills of your normal medication, you most likely will not receive a return call from our office. Please check with your pharmacy first, as it is likely the refill has been sent in directly to them.
 

If a referral appointment, imaging or other testing is needed and was discussed with my doctor, how long should I expect to wait to be contacted by the office I’m being referred to?

Typically this process takes 1-2 business days. However, the process can be lengthened depending on your insurance. Each insurance has a different process we must follow when setting up referral appointments or imaging tests in order for the service to be covered. If this process isn't followed correctly, you could potentially be billed for the cost of testing services or your specialty appointment with another doctor. The process of working with the insurance companies can sometimes take up to 3-5 business days for them to approve your testing and referrals. However, if you have been waiting for more than one week, please call our office to check the status of your appointments.
 

Does Cahaba Medical Care offer payment plans?

We offer a sliding fee discount program for people without insurance or for people who have insurance but still need help paying their insurance copays and / or deductibles. Eligibility for this program, as well as the amount of the discount is based on household size and income.

To enroll in our sliding fee program, you must complete a short application and submit the necessary documentation. Applications are available for download on our website (add link to that page here) or you can ask a receptionist at any of our office locations for an application. Please bring back your completed application, along with a copy of your last two pay stubs, a Social Security card / photo ID for each member of your household, and a copy of a utility bill as proof of residence. Once we have received your completed application and documentation, our billing department will determine which level of our sliding scale program you qualify for and will begin crediting your account for the discounted amount.

Please be aware that you may still be asked to pay a certain set amount for the services provided at Cahaba Medical Care depending on your level of income. Please also note that laboratory and imaging services are not included in this sliding scale program. However, there are different sliding scale programs for all labs done at CMC and for imaging services done at Bibb Medical Center you may inquire about if necessary.
 

Why do I have to fill out paperwork at every visit?

You will be asked to fill out several papers every time we see you at Cahaba Medical Care. This paperwork is necessary for us to ensure all your information, like your phone number, address and insurance, is correct and up to date.

It is also important the triage form is completed at each visit. This form lets us know exactly what problems you are having that day, whether or not you need refills on medications, if you need lab or imaging results, or if you have been seen by any other doctor since your last visit. This information will better assist our office staff in making sure that all your concerns and questions are answered efficiently and effectively during your visit. It will also ensure that your provider has all the information he or she needs to take the best care of you.
 

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

We ask that you please bring all current medications for review by your nurse and physician. We also ask that you please bring your up-to-date insurance card(s) and a picture ID with you to each visit, and be sure to notify our office of any changes made to your insurance information, phone number and/or address. It is important that we update this information in your file so that we are able to contact you regarding your medical care and can accurately bill your insurance company for your visit.