FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is your office open?

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In general, our office and phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, certain tests, procedures, and appointments may be scheduled earlier in the morning. We also take a lunch break from 12-1 p.m.

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What insurances do you accept?

 

Morris Cardiovascular accepts all major insurance companies. We will confirm the status of our participation with your plan when you register for an appointment, however, it is ultimately up to the patient to ensure that their insurance is active and that the necessary referrals have been obtained prior to all appointments. Select services such as Carotid Intima Media Thickness or the Coronary Calcium Scoring are preventative in nature and typically not covered by insurance.

 

Why do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician (PCP) for my appointment?

 

Most patients with an HMO insurance product need a referral from their primary care physician for covered services performed by a specialist such as a cardiologist. Please contact your insurance company, PCP, our office for more information on whether or not you need a referral, or if that referral has already been received.

 

Why do I need to present my insurance card for every visit?

 

Many individuals switch insurance providers between visits, and insurance provider co-payments and coverage can change frequently. To ensure we have the most accurate information on your insurance coverage, and to ensure you receive the most benefits from your provider, we ask to see your card at every visit. This procedure also helps avoid billing and coverage errors which can result in your being billed for some normally covered charges.

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Why can’t I talk directly to my cardiologist when I call?

 

The providers at Morris Cardio are very busy throughout the day seeing patients and performing testing and treatment procedures. In order to ensure that scheduled appointments get timely attention, telephone calls to physicians are limited to emergency calls only. The medical assistant working with your cardiologist will attempt to answer all phone calls in a prompt and efficient manner. If they are unable to answer your questions when you call, they will be sure to get an answer or have your provider return your call as soon as possible.

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Do I need a referral?

 

This depends on your insurance provider requirements and your particular insurance plan. Chances are, you will need a referral from your primary care provider for cardiovascular care. Please contact your insurance company or your primary care provider for more details.

 

How will I know if I have a co-payment?

 

Your co-payment requirements for an office visit to a specialist are likely listed on your insurance card. If not listed on your card, please call your insurance provider. Morris Cardiovascular employees are not responsible to know the co-payment amounts for all possible insurance plans.

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Who do I call if I have a question about my bill?

 

Please contact our business office at 804-281-3790 for questions related to payment and billing.

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Does having heart problems affect my ability to have surgery?

 

This depends on your specific heart condition. Please contact our office or nurse at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled surgery/procedure to inquire if a cardiac clearance is required. This will allow enough time for the provider to review your medical records and schedule a cardiac clearance appointment, if necessary.

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How do I get my medications refilled?

 

We have a variety of options to ensure your prescriptions are filled in a timely manner. You may either call your pharmacy directly, send a message via the patient portal, or call the office directly to request a refill. All patients must have been seen in the office within 1 year of the time a medication refill request is sent. 

 

If I call with a question, when will someone call me back?

 

When you call, you will more than likely be asked to leave a message for the medical assistant working with our providers. The medical assistant will review your message and provide an answer, or ask your physician for guidance. Messages left for Dr.  Morris, Morris cardiovascular providers, or their medical assistants are typically returned on the same business day they are received, unless the message is left after 3 PM.

 

How do I get my test results?

 

Your test results will be reviewed by your provider and a decision will be made on whether more testing is needed, if treatment should occur, or if no further action is needed. This often takes several weeks from the completion of your testing procedure. Typically, a 3-4 week follow up will be scheduled at the time your testing is ordered so that a provider may review all of your results. 

 

If I’m having a problem, who do I call?

 

If you are having a life-threatening medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1. For non-life threatening medical problems, please contact Morris Cardiovascular or your primary care physician directly and describe the problem to them or their nurse. 

 

When should I make an appointment with Dr. Morris?

 

We see patients for a variety of issues, including (but not limited to) 

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• Shortness of breath

• Chest pressure/pain at activity or rest

• Chest pressure/pain that may move to specific areas of the body including your arm, neck/throat, middle of your back, in your mouth/teeth

• Rapid heartbeat with lightheadedness and/or fainting

• Unexplained weight gain

• Difficulty performing activities that were once easy for you like walking, climbing stairs

• If you experience any of the above signs it is important to contact your primary care doctor or seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 for extended chest pressure/pain or shortness of breath. Your primary care doctor will address your symptoms and based on your physical assessment, test or blood work will advise you to be seen by a cardiologist.