Question 1

What is a Internal Medicine and what does an Internist do?

Accepted Answer

The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and medical treatment of adults. A physician who specializes in internal medicine is referred to as an internist.

Question 2

What Is a Copay?

Accepted Answer

A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a health care service, usually when you receive the service. The amount can vary by the type of service. You may also have a copay when you get a prescription filled.

Question 3

What Is a Deductible?

Accepted Answer

An annual deductible is the dollar amount you must pay out of pocket during the year for medical expenses before your insurance coverage begins to pay. For example, if your policy has a $2000.00 deductible, you must pay the first $2000.00 of all medical expenses before your insurance company begins to pay for any services. Deductibles vary by insurance plans and policy. Please review your insurance policy for individual coverage and benefits.

Question 4

What is Coinsurance?

Accepted Answer

Coinsurance is your share of the costs of a health care service. It’s usually figured as a percentage of the amount we allow to be charged for services. You start paying coinsurance after you’ve paid your plan’s deductible.

Question 5

What is the cancellation policy at your office?

Accepted Answer

Effective April 4, 2016, any appointments that are not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours advanced notice will result in a $50 charge billed to your account. Cancellation fees are not billed to or payable by your insurance company. It is the patient’s responsibility.

Question 6

Is there a fee for cancellation?

Accepted Answer

There is a $50 charge billed to your account for appointments that are not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours advanced notice.

Question 7

What forms of payment/insurance does Bethel Medical Center accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. For a complete list of insurance plans that we accept, please click here.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Please make sure that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. Please bring your Insurance Cards (if applicable) and Photo ID. To save time, you can also print and complete the New Patient Registration Form and HIPAA/Patient Bill Of Rights Form and bring them with you to your appointment. Please bring a list of any medications you may be taking as well as the name, address and phone number of the pharmacy you use. It is also helpful to bring copies of any available medical records, laboratory and radiology reports.

Question 9

How should I prepare for my first visit with my new physician?

Accepted Answer

On your first visit you will meet your physician, recount your medical history and other information and have a physical exam. Please bring a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal preparations. A family member or caregiver is always welcome to come with you. Remember, however, that your physician may ask very personal questions. It is important that you answer these questions honestly and fully as the answers may have important implications for your care.

Question 10

What should I expect at my annual physical exam?

Accepted Answer

An annual physical exam differs from a routine office visit because it is a more comprehensive medical history and physical examination for which more time is allotted. It includes a review of all medical problems, medications, and recommended screening tests appropriate for your age and history. Your physician may also want to include an EKG and as well as a series of lab tests (blood work).

Question 11

What hospitals do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Holy Cross Hospital of Silver Spring, Holy Cross Hospital of Germantown, and Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

Question 12

Do your providers see and treat children in the office?

Accepted Answer

We see and treat patients who are 21 years or older.

Question 13

How do I reach my doctor if I am sick and it is after hours?

Accepted Answer

A doctor is always on call when the office is closed. To access the on-call physician, please call the office and our answering service will page the on-call physician. If it is a medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Question 14

How can I get copies of my medical record?

Accepted Answer

To obtain a copy of your medical records, Bethel Medical Center requires a signed Authorization to Release Medical Records Form or a signed letter before the request can be processed. You may fill out the request form in our office or fax or mail us a brief letter. You must state that you want a copy of your records and to whom they are to be sent to in the letter, along with your full name, current address, D.O.B., daytime telephone number and legal signature. Please allow up to two weeks from the date the request is received to get records. According to Maryland state law (Health General Sec. 4-304), there is a charge for copies of medical records. The current rate is $22.88 preparation fee and .76 cents per page if the records are sent to another provider. The federal HIPAA regulations do not allow a charge for a preparation fee for records provided directly to the patient. There are additional fees for postage.

Question 15

How do I transfer my medical records to Bethel Medical Center?

Accepted Answer

You may request records directly from your former provider, or you may fill out an Authorization to Release Medical Records to Bethel Medical Center Form, and we will fax the request to your former provider.

Question 16

I have a question about my bill, who should I talk to?"

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about your bill, please speak with our Billing and Accounts Coordinator, Shawna Magallanes. You may reach her at our office, (240) 221-3116.

Question 17

How can I pay my bill?

Accepted Answer

You may pay your bill either online using our online payment system, by calling our office directly at (240) 221-3116, or by mailing your payment to: Bethel Medical Center, 121 Congressional Lane, Suite 510, Rockville, MD 20852. All payments by check made payable to: Bethel Medical Center.

Question 18

How do I get my prescriptions refilled?

Accepted Answer

Please call our office if you need your medication to be refilled. You may also have your pharmacy fax us a request. We will process your request within 48 hours of receiving the fax. Please make sure you request your medications prior to running out of them.

Question 19

What languages do your staff and providers cater to?

Accepted Answer

We have providers and staff who are fluent in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Twi, and Ga.

Question 20

How do I obtain a referral?

Accepted Answer

Many insurance companies require written and/or electronic referral forms to be submitted prior to seeing a specialist. If we are providing your primary care, we will be happy to assist you in obtaining a referral. We request that you give at least 72 hours advanced notice of your appointment with the specialist to process the necessary forms. When making a request for a referral, please be sure to provide us the name of the physician you will be seeing, the address, phone number, and fax number to complete the referral process.

Question 21

How do I find out what I need for travel to a particular country?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations before every trip. These vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chicken-pox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a full comprehensive list of required and recommended immunizations for each country for individuals traveling abroad. This information can be found on the CDC website. At the time of your travel consultation, our physicians will also discuss the required immunizations for travel to various countries.

Question 22

What happens if I need to travel to a country and do not want to take one of the listed shots?

Accepted Answer

Countries vary on requirements for short term travelers, and the Assurance Travel and Immigration Services will work to ensure that you meet all the requirements for the countries you will be visiting. In countries where yellow fever vaccines are required, border control officials will deny entry to visitors who have not been vaccinated. The requirements for persons seeking longer term visas or residency permits are usually more extensive than the requirements for short term travelers, so additional testing and more extensive immunizations may be required.

Question 23

What about my children? Can Bethel Medical Center be involved in their travel medicine needs as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are able to provide travel medicine services to children.

Question 24

Does private insurance cover travel medicine services?

Accepted Answer

Most health insurance plans do not cover travel vaccines and medicines. Assurance Travel and Immigration Services does not accept any medical insurance plans. However, we do provide you with a receipt that has all the detailed information you need in order to submit your claim. Check with your insurance company to determine what is covered by your policy.

Question 25

What should I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is best to bring your immunization record. Some travelers already have an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV), or “yellow card”, which is a record of immunizations already completed. If you do not have records of immunizations or vaccinations, contact your primary physician, school nurse, or parents to gain such information prior to your appointment.

Question 26

What if Medical Care is needed abroad?

Accepted Answer

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local doctors and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you desire, inform your family and/or friends.

Question 27

Can you provide a yellow card?

Accepted Answer

The yellow card is the International Certificate of Vaccination, which is used most specifically to document yellow fever immunization and other required vaccinations. A yellow card will be provided at the time of your immunization.

Question 28

What happens if I am pregnant or trying to become pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Consult with your OBGYN ideally at least 4–6 weeks before you leave. We can then review your itinerary, make recommendations based on the health risks at your destination, and give you any vaccines you may need. Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with malaria. If you must go while you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about taking a drug to prevent malaria. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so you should also wear insect repellent for additional protection.

Question 29

What is a Civil Surgeon?

Accepted Answer

A Civil surgeon is a doctor, selected by the USCIS to conduct medical examinations of aliens in the United States who are applying for adjustment of status to permanent residence, or who are required by the USCIS to have a medical examination.

Question 30

What is a Immigration Medical Examination?

Accepted Answer

Medical examinations verify good health and admissibility to the U.S. on medical grounds. The exam can identify medical conditions that require follow-up medical care after emigration to the U.S. or Adjustment of Status to permanent residence.

Question 31

What does a Immigration Medical examination include?

Accepted Answer

An Immigration Medical Examination for individuals seeking adjustment of INS status includes a full comprehensive physical exam, blood work (RPR test for syphilis), Tuberculosis (TB) skin test, Immunizations and/or titers.

Question 32

What forms and documents should I bring to my Immigration Medical examination appointment?

Accepted Answer

You should bring your photo I.D., passport, Information regarding your INS A-number, and a USCIS I-693 form, and vaccination records.

Question 33

How long will it take before the results and documents to be ready?

Accepted Answer

Your forms will be ready in 2-3 days. Laboratory test results usually return within 24-48 hours (Monday through Friday). The tuberculosis test must be read between 48 to 72 hours. If the tuberculosis test is positive, a chest x-ray is required, which can add another day or two to the process.

Question 34

Does private insurance cover Immigration Medical services?

Accepted Answer

Most health insurance plans do not cover Immigration Medical Services.  Assurance Travel and Immigration Services does not accept any medical insurance plans. However, we do provide you with a receipt that has all the detailed information you need in order to submit your claim. Check with your insurance company to determine what is covered by your policy. Payment is requested at the time services are rendered. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Cash. We do not accept personal checks or money orders.

Question 35

What are the vaccination requirements?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines for these diseases are currently required for U.S. immigration: Mumps  Measles Rubella Polio Tetanus and diphtheria Pertussis Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Rotavirus Meningococcal disease Varicella Pneumococcal disease Seasonal influenza Note that this list may change as new vaccines are developed. For example, HPV and zoster vaccines were once required, but no longer. Please check with the USCIS Vaccination Requirements.

Question 36

What is the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

The Patient Portal is a secure, online service center where you can access your personal health information, address administrative needs, and make non-urgent medical requests.

Question 37

As a patient, why should I care about the Patient Portal?"

Accepted Answer

The Patient Portal is a great tool because it helps you be more actively involved in your own health care, and you can use it at YOUR convenience. It’s a time saver, too, with self-service options like “Request Rx refills” and “Request an Appointment.”

Question 38

Where do I find the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

The Patient Portal is accessible from BMC’s website using any computer or smart mobile device with Internet access. You may also login to the portal here.

Question 39

Is it free to use the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely free. There are no costs.

Question 40

Is it mandatory that I sign up for the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

No, it’s not mandatory, but we’re strongly encouraging everyone to sign up, so they can take advantage of all the resources the Portal offers.

Question 41

What happens if I don’t have a computer, email, or internet access?"

Accepted Answer

We will continue to communicate with you through phone calls and/or letters.

Question 42

How do I register for a Patient Portal account?

Accepted Answer

For your convenience, a username and temporary password has been created for you. This information has been emailed to you. You will need to login with the information and then change your temporary password to a permanent one. If you did not receive this information you may also register here.

Question 43

Is the Patient Portal mobile friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The patient portal is mobile friendly. You may login to the portal using the PrognoCIS My Health Records App in the app store. iPhone AppStore and Android Google Playstore.

Question 44

Can I have one Patient Portal account for my entire family?

Accepted Answer

No. Each member of your family must have their own individual Patient Portal account; messages and information transmitted become part of each individual’s permanent health record.

Question 45

Is there an age limit to enroll in the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patients must be at least 18 years old to sign up.

Question 46

How many sets of forms are there for me to fill out?

Accepted Answer

There are three sets of forms.
– Patient registration form
– Patient’s Bill of Rights/HIPAA
– Statement of Problem or Injury

Question 47

What can I do through the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

Patients can view health information such as:
– Recent doctor visits
– Discharge summaries
– Medications
– Immunizations
– Allergies
– Lab results
– Future Appointments   The patient portal also allow patients to:
– Exchange secure e-mail with their health care teams
– Request prescription refills
– Check and request appointments
– Check benefits and coverage
– Update contact information
– Make payments
– Download and complete forms
– View educational materials

Question 48

Can I request my medical records using the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, using the Patient Portal, you can communicate with your doctor about non urgent requests and issues.

Question 49

Who do I contact with questions I may have about any health information shared through my Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

Please contact our office by phone for any additional questions about your health status.

Question 50

Will I receive appointment reminders through the Patient Portal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the Patient Portal, we can send you appointment reminders.

Question 51

Is my health information secure?

Accepted Answer

Our Patient Portal has the best privacy and security safeguards in place to protect your health information. To make your information safe from unauthorized access, our Patient Portal is hosted on a secure connection and accessed via an encrypted, password-protected login. Additionally, our system has an “audit trail” feature that keeps a record of who accessed your information, what changes were made, and when.   To help the cause though, we also strongly encourage you to follow some common sense security tips — Always remember to protect your USER ID and PASSWORD from others, and make sure to only log on to the Patient Portal from a personal or secure computer.

Question 52

I can’t log in. What could the problem be?

Accepted Answer

Our hope is that the system is always accessible and glitch-free, but if log in issues do arise, the problem could be:
– The site is experiencing technical difficulties.
– Internet service has been interrupted.
– Your USER ID and PASSWORD have been typed in incorrectly. Remember, they are CASE SENSITIVE!

Question 53

Is it possible for me to accidently lock myself out of my account after too many log in attempts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is possible. After 3-5 failed attempts you could be locked out. If this happens, you’ll need to contact our office directly to remedy the problem

Question 54

Are USER IDS and PASSWORDS case sensitive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. They are case sensitive. If you’re having trouble logging in make sure you are being careful with how you’re typing in this information.

Question 55

What do I do if I forget my USER ID and/or PASSWORD?

Accepted Answer

The Patient Portal offers help on the login screen. Click on the problem you need to solve, and the system walks you through the remedy. If you can’t solve the problem, contact our offices for help.

Question 56

Accepted Answer

Our Patient Portal is compatible with most web browsers: Safari, Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Firefox. Currently, the Patient Portal is not compatible with Microsoft Edge.

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