FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answers to these frequently asked questions are intended to provide brief information relevant to your health. If you would like to speak with us regarding any of these topics, do not hesitate to call us.

Q: What days are you open?
Q: Are you accepting new patients?
Q: How do we contact the doctor after hours?
Q: How often should I be seen in the office?
Q: Do you accept my health insurance plan?
Q: Do I need to obtain a referral prior to making an appointment?
Q: Can the endocrinologist function as my primary care provider?
Q: What types of illnesses does an endocrinologist treat?
Q: When will I receive lab or test results?
Q: How do I obtain a prescription refill?

• Q: What days are you open?

  A: Our office is open Monday through Friday. Limited appointments are also available on Tuesday evenings. As our daily schedule is subject to change, please call to confirm office hours.

• Q: Are you accepting new patients?

  A: Yes, we welcome new patients.

• Q: How do we contact the doctor after hours?

  A: Our medical providers are available 24 hours a day. Call the office at (856) 728-3636 and follow the prompts to page a provider on call. Please be aware that after-hours calls are intended for urgent medical issues that cannot wait until the next business day. Referral and appointment requests will not be addressed via pager. Pages are typically returned within 15 minutes. Please call back if you have not received a timely response.
  
  IN THE EVENT OF A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY, CALL 911.

• Q: How often should I be seen in the office?

  A: Visit schedules will vary depending on your individual characteristics and your specific endocrinological disorder. We will discuss the expected length and duration of follow up visits during your initial consultation. Generally, we recommend that diabetic patients be seen in our office at three-month intervals.

• Q: Do you accept my health insurance plan?

  A: Please refer to Insurance Information to review Advocare's list of accepted insurance providers.

• Q: Do I need to obtain a referral prior to making an appointment?

  A: Our office does not require referrals, but many insurance providers will only cover specialist visits with a prior referral from your primary care physician. Please check with your insurance company to determine whether a referral is required.

• Q: Can the endocrinologist function as my primary care provider?

  A: An endocrinologist is a specialist in disorders of the endocrine system. We recommend that all patients continue to see a primary care physician to address routine medical care, preventive services, and acute illness.

• Q: What types of illnesses does an endocrinologist treat?

  A: We diagnose and manage treatment for a variety of illnesses related to glands and hormones. Many patients consult an endocrinologist for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Other common disorders include thyroid disease, including hypo- or hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. We also treat osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases; parathyroid disorders and hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels); pituitary disease, including pituitary tumors or dysfunction; adrenal dysfunction or tumors; hypogonadism (low testosterone); certain endocrine causes of weight gain or hypertension (high blood pressure); and certain rare conditions.

• Q: When will I receive lab or test results?

  A: You will receive a call right away for any lab or test results that require urgent attention, and we may wish to see you in the office to discuss these results. Other abnormal results will be addressed promptly by the provider that ordered the labs or tests. Normal values are usually not reported, however, you are welcome to call our office to request a copy of your results.

• Q: How do I obtain a prescription refill?

  A: Please call our main office number and follow the prompts for our prescription refill line. Allow one business day for all routine prescription refills. For prescriptions that require prior authorization from your insurance company, please plan ahead to allow at least three to five days for refill approval.