Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are same-day appointments available?
A: Yes. Dr. Klapowitz purposely leaves openings in his schedules for urgent visits. Our regular office hours are Mon – Thurs 8:30AM to 5PM, Fri 9:30AM to 3PM.
Q: How can I get in touch with my doctor?
A: Dr. Klapowitz is reachable by phone at his office during the day and through their answering service at off-hours and on weekends. Dr. Klapowitz also communicates electronically with his patients via our patient portal.
Q: When I leave a message for my doctor, when can I expect a call back?
A: Most phone calls are returned the same day. Call-backs are prioritized based on urgency of medical need. It is important that you provide our staff with as much detail as possible so that the call can be properly prioritized.
Q: How long do I have to wait for bloodwork results?
A: Expect to receive the results within one week from the time your bloodwork is drawn. Results will usually consist of a copy of the actual laboratory report together with an explanation of the results from your doctor. Dr. Klapowitz sends both a “hard copy” through the mail and an electronic version through our patient portal.
Q: What if I need my results much more quickly than a week?
A: When results are urgently needed (for example, labwork required for surgery taking place one or two days after blood is drawn), accommodations can certainly be made. You will have ample opportunity to discuss this with your doctor at the time of your visit.
Q: When will test results, other than laboratory reports, be ready?
A: Usually, your doctor will mail and/or send results through our portal within a few business days of most tests (ie Mammograms, Bone Densities, CAT Scans, X-rays, etc.). If there is an urgent need for more rapid reporting of results, this will be arranged with you at the time the test is ordered.
Q: Why do I need a yearly Well Examination (also called a “Physical” or “Check-up”)?
A: Our Well Examinations are extremely detailed visits designed to insure you are undergoing all recommended health screening (colonoscopies, full skin exams, etc.) and receive all recommended adult vaccinations. In addition, we perform thorough examinations to identify often subtle medical issues and utilize multiple in-office modalities (EKG, spirometry, etc.) as needed to aid our search for potential problems. Finally, when medically appropriate, Dr. Klapowitz may recommend newer health screening modalities, including body MRI, Gallery blood testing, genetic screening, and other testing.
Q: Is your office wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. We also have an examination that lowers to chair and floor height that is usually accessible to wheelchair-bound patients (may still require some assistance).
Q: For which type of appointments do I need to fast (go with no food or drink other than water for 6 hrs)?
A: Well exams and any visit that involves checking cholesterol should preferably be fasting.
Q: Is there a cancellation fee if I cannot make it to a scheduled appointment?
A: If the visit is scheduled more than 1 business day in advance and is cancelled less than 1 business day before the appointment, a $75.00 fee may be charged. With multiple cancellations, or failure to show up for a well exam or other extended visit, you may be asked to pay for the visit in advance of scheduling another appointment. Please make every attempt to cancel in advance.
Q: To whom can the doctor release my medical information?
A: Other than your health insurance company, release of your medical information nearly always requires your direct approval. This means that, unless you specifically authorize it, even family members cannot obtain your medical information. If you are proven unable to give authorization due to severe illness, your documented health care proxy may have access to the information.
Q: How do I request a copy of my medical records and how long should I expect to wait for them?
A: All requests for medical records need to be written (faxed, mailed, hand-delivered) and signed by the patient or appropriate representative. Turn-around time is usually two weeks. Accommodations can be made if the records are needed urgently.