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Acupuncturist / Massage Therapy
Jose Cardentey, DOM


Audiologists
Andrea Pernick
Cindy Simon

Chiropractor
Jose De Jesus, DC


Podiatrist
Dr. Adam Auster


Psychotherapist
David Kessler, LCSW


Pulmonologist
Fred Grynberg, MD


Weight Management
HCG

Office Policies - 2012

Welcome to the office, both new and established patients! As we begin our 21st year, we would like to familiarize you with the systems we have implemented to improve your visit.

When you sign in at the front desk, make sure to completely update both your personal and insurance information. Do not forget to include your e-mail address and cell phone number. Go to www.karenrabenmd.com and learn more about our practice.

Provider Visits: Be clear with the front desk which providers you will be seeing, especially if you are seeing more than one. New Patients will always require a follow-up visit or, if appropriate, a phone consultation to review their work-up. Schedule this important visit when you check out.

Pharmacy Refills /Referrals and Authorizations: These can be handled through either e-mail or fax. You may fax your refill requests to 305-662-1359 or you may e-mail to sandy_400@msn.com. Messages will be reviewed in the morning and afternoon. Not after hours. Try and refill your routine meds all at one time and from the same pharmacy. When filling your prescription, check with your pharmacist regarding any potential drug-drug interactions. Also, ask about generic drugs and their variability. Most brand drugs have websites. Check them for coupons and discounts.

If your plan requires a referral, please schedule your appointment with the specialist. Then e-mail or fax us the name of the specialist, the date of your appointment and whether you want us to fax or e-mail the referral to you (leave #). We do not fax referrals to the specialist, except in the cases of emergencies. All referrals must be requested at least 5 working days before your appointment. When you see a specialist, remind them to mail a copy of their consultation to us for your permanent chart. New problems and referrals to the appropriate specialist usually require an office visit for diagnosis and chart documentation. Important: It is your responsibility to follow-up with any referrals that have been recommended by your primary doctor here in the office.

Emergency Room Visits: If you are seen in an Emergency Room, please try and obtain copies of any laboratory or radiology studies performed and bring them to your follow-up visit. We work closely with the staffs at Baptist Health Systems hospitals.

Insurance (KR 305-655-0117)(EVG 786-533-3340) - Please contact the billing provider to assist you with any questions you may have regarding statements you receive.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am - 5pm. Saturday hours are 8:30am - 1pm. After hours, we are available on an emergency basis via e-mail address. Dr. Raben is KRMD01@aol.com. Dr. VanGinkel is md@miamipainandrecovery.com. Dr. Auster is info@DrAuster.com. For true emergencies call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Messages should be returned within 4 hours - Messages in the morning will be returned before 1pm. Those received in the afternoon will be returned before the office closes at 5pm. Please leave a number where you can be reached during these times, including an extension, and make yourself available for return calls.

Co-payments/Deductibles: Due at the time of service including diagnostic testing.

Services not covered by your insurance: Our chief objective continues to be the provision of excellent medical care. There may be services we provide or tests we recommend that are not covered by your insurance provider. We will try to work with you; however, it ultimately comes down to what we think is in your best health interest. You will be responsible for any non-covered charges, including pre-existing conditions.

• There will be a $17 computer data entry fee for labs drawn in the office.
• There will be a fee for copying medical records and for non-emergency rush referrals. Be sure and bring your lab reports from this office to the specialist as there will be a charge if we have to send them on an urgent basis the day of your visit.
• There is a $30 walk-in fee if you do not have a scheduled appointment.
• Charges for phone calls, both during and after office hours, e-mail consultations, disability, school or work forms will vary depending on length and complexity.
• There will be a $35 non-cancellation fee if you do not call to cancel an appointment. You may e-mail us at sandy_400@msn.com if it is after hours. It does not need to be 24 hours in advance. Just let us know so another patient can be seen. The fee will be $45 if a statement is generated.

In-house specialties include:

Laboratory Reports are an important part of health care management. Each patient will be enrolled online for secure retrieval of your own lab reports. Make sure you sign up for this program as labs will not be e-mailed or faxed. If necessary, you may schedule a follow-up visit or a phone consultation to review these findings. The doctor will call you only if there is a new finding or an emergency.

Small Children - This office is not child-proofed. We prefer you not bring mobile small children. If you must, please make sure they are well attended during your visit to avoid rescheduling.