Looking for a great doctor and/or family medicine practice? Consider South Oaks Family Medicine!…read moreDr. Cox has been my primary MD for 19 years and counting. He's also the primary MD for my whole family. LOVE Dr. Cox!!! &, LOVE Dr. Cox's nurse Sally: she's so sweet!
Informative Review vs. a "gushing review," systematically going through "everything" to help you understand how this office operates; ultimately, so you receive the best of your experiences:
Phone call "reception"/the "operators": As of this post, you'll frequently (but not always) speak with Yvonne. They are AWESOME! To help you understand: If they "sound" anything other than "getting the job done," then you've likely called during a busy phone time (typically 8-8:30am, right after lunch, or 4:30-5pm). Since this IS a busy practice, the typical greeting speedily is, "South Oaks, how may I direct your call?"
State the purpose of your call in a FEW simple words to expedite your call/transfer (i.e. "patient appointment," "schedule an in-office procedure," "medical records," "billing/payments," "calling for lab results," "questions for/need to speak with the nurse/doctor," etc, or even "I don't know!").
Phone Operator/phone "reception" bottom line: They receive your call and will schedule your appointment with the appropriate doctor/nurse, or they will transfer you to the appropriate person/dept. They are NOT the folks to share detailed medical problems/questions; however they WILL listen & help you, especially if you don't know what to do or who to ask for.
Appointment Check-In / Front desk "reception": For fastest service, arrive at least 5 mins BEFORE your appointment time, & sign in. Your arrival is anticipated. Delays: most often related to the gathering/verifying needed insurance and/or medical history info/updates, demographic changes, discussing/rectifying possible past billing balances/issues, and/or tending to the person(s) who arrived before you. You will ALWAYS be asked if there are any changes in demographics & insurance, and at this time, you pay the co-pay, if applicable.
Waiting time: room filled or empty, you'll be received in the appropriate order, period. I've had short & long wait times. If no one else is waiting & you are grumpy about it, how do you know if the rooms aren't filled or if a patient has a serious medical problem occurring? I assume my wait time translates to the doctor spending the time that is NEEDED with a patient (can be quick or longer). Also consider: if 1 appt runs late, the subsequent appts will likely be running late...that is, if you expect fairness! And, if MY needs are more minor/quick to resolution, I try to exit quickly "to help them" catch up if they're behind (yes, this can occur and is more frequent during higher incidences of illnesses, but not uncommon of ANY physician practice!).
Called back from the waiting room:
Your weight, temp., and heart rate will be taken (wellness exams include height); in the exam room, your blood pressure will be taken & you share the summary/purpose of your visit with the nurse/medical assistant. Then, you await the MD.
MD visit: should ROCK. If minor/routine, it may be quick; but if seemingly too fast for you, JUST SAY SO! This practice is highly experienced, so routine issues may appear quick to you, but STOP THEM if you have remaining questions or concerns! They WILL listen! This practice is of the highest standards of care. If you haven't received a response satisfying your concern, ASK!
Communications other than phone: SOFM uses "Patient Fusion" for appointments, nurse or billing contact, medical records, and feedback. Log in to Www.southoaksfamilymedicine.com for more info. So helpful!
Diagnostics: on-site blood work = YES! On-site basic strep tests= YES & results while you wait! Xrays/MRIs/other diagnostics: Seton SW Hospital is conveniently next door (but I prefer ARA).
Communication of diagnostic results: blood/lab work, xrays, CT scans/MRIs, mammograms, ultrasounds, etc: 1st rule of thumb = "no news is good news." Haven't heard? Assume 1st the results are normal; or for known problems: deeper assessment is occurring. As a general rule, wait 48 hrs before calling, depending on the test, if you are concerned.
Prescriptions: Get them AT THE TIME OF YOUR VISIT (or verify they'll be called in to your pharmacy)! If not, there's a $5 fee: Yes, preparing a script takes time away from in-office tasks. As medical practices have received cut-backs on reimbursement, so too, understand that extraneous requests ultimately cut into doc/pt face-to-face time.
Patients truly seeking lifelong excellent and holistically-focused care "wanted": Including those "on the edge" of something "not right," those of any remotely similar genre (regardless of origin), well-baby/adult, and all good & bad and/or uncomfortable reasons: South Oaks Family Medicine has the right provider for you!