FAQs / Links

General Questions

• Do you have handicapped access?

  We have handicapped parking and access at all locations.

• Are you accessible via public transit?

  We are conveniently located within 1 block of public transportation and we are a familiar destination for Trip Link, Cherry Lift, Gold Star Transport, and local cab companies.

• Where should I park?

  Parking at our main location (885 Mission St. SE) is underneath and behind the building, accessible from Mission Street.

  Parking at our second location (875 Oak St. SE, Suite 3060) is available underneath the building by access from Winter Street and in the parking structure on Capitol Street between Oak and Mission Streets.

  Parking at our satellite clinics is convenient at each location.

• Do you provide interpretive services?

  Interpretive services are available upon request for commonly encountered, and most other, foreign languages and are recommended in place of family member interpretation so that medical terminology is accurate and family members can concentrate on supporting their loved one.

• How do I get copies of my medical records?

  Medical records are available after permission is given by the patient through the signing of a release form or by request from a primary care physician or other specialist’s office for continuity of care. Please contact our office for any requests or questions you may have regarding your medical records.

• Who do I contact with a non-medical concern about your office?

  You are welcome to approach any member of our staff with your concern. They will be happy to help you or direct you to the appropriate member of management.

• What if I need medical care after normal business hours?

  If you are having an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, the Salem Hospital Emergency Room is available 24 hours a day and can contact your doctor if necessary.

• Links to More Information about Heart and Vascular Disease

  For more information online we recommend the following websites:

  American Heart Association - American Heart Association's mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

  The Heart Rhythm Society - The Heart Rhythm Society provides information on specific arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. It also is useful for information about pacemakers and defibrillators.

  CHFpatients - For those interested in cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure, this is a patient-oriented site intended for patients with heart disease. It is maintained by an individual who has heart disease.

  Heart Failure Online - This site provides a wide variety of information and contains a Spanish translation.  It is sponsored by the San Diego Cardiac Center and the Sharp Foundation for Cardiovascular Research and Education.

  Heart Failure Society - This patient-oriented site is sponsored and maintained by the Heart Failure Society of America, Inc. The information provided is designed to help patients with heart failure feel better, stay out of the hospital, and live longer.

  Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - This is a site sponsored by the Society for Vascular Surgery.

  The Zapper - This site is an “unofficial” source of information for patients who have received an implanted cardiac defibrillator. It is useful for discussing real-life experiences and concerns about having an implanted defibrillator. The site has medical consultants and links to many of the specific pacemaker/defibrillator companies.

  WomenHeart - If you want a female focus about heart health, this is a useful site. WomenHeart was founded by three women who had heart attacks while in their 40s. Their mission is to increase awareness about women and heart disease.

Appointment Questions

• Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to see you?

  Each insurance company is unique and requirements change often. Your primary care physician’s office should make arrangements for you, and as a double check, our Referral and Pre-Authorization Specialist will verify everything is in place for your first visit. Please refer to your individual insurance plan information for its specific requirements.

• How do I make an appointment?

  Please call our office at 503-585-5585 to make an appointment. If referred by your primary care physician’s office, we will contact you through their request.

• What if I need to cancel my appointment?

  Please call our office at 503-585-5585 to cancel or reschedule any appointment. We prefer at least 24 hours notice so that another patient can be contacted and moved into your vacant appointment time.

• What should I bring to my first appointment?

  Please bring a listing of any medications that you are taking – both prescribed and over-the-counter – along with the dosage amount. (Ask one of our Medical Assistants for a handy wallet card for listing medications.)

Financial Questions

• What should I expect to pay at the time of service?

  Please refer to your individual insurance plan information for co-pay and coverage information. Unless other arrangements have been made previously, your co-pay amount is expected at the time of service.

• Do you accept my insurance plan?

  We accept Medicare and most commercial insurance plans. We will verify acceptance of coverage prior to your visit and contact you if there are concerns.

• What if my insurance requires pre-authorization?

  Many insurance companies require a referral for office visits and pre-authorization for studies and procedures. Our Referral and Pre-Authorization Specialist will acquire all necessary approvals for your care. Please be aware that this process sometimes takes a week or more, depending on individual insurance companies’ processes, but every effort will be made to expedite the process for urgent cases.

• What if I don’t have insurance?

  Our major concern is for your good health and quality of life and your insurance status does not change that. We are happy to work with you to formulate a payment plan unique to your situation.

• Do you offer any discounts or payment arrangements?

  For private pay patients, we offer a 15% discount for full payment made on the day of service. If your budget does not allow full payment on the day of your visit, we are happy to work with you to formulate a payment plan unique to your situation.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards including VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. We also accept cash, debit charges, and checks.

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