Visit Types and Preparation for Primary Care Needs

Modern Family Medicine offers four primary types of patient visits: Annual Preventive Visits/Physicals, Chronic Disease Management Visits, Acute Illness-Sick Visits, and Evaluation & Management Visits for New Symptoms. Each visit type is outlined in detail below.

Annual Preventive Visits or Physicals

are recommended once a year. Most insurance plans cover these visits annually, but some may require at least 12 months between physicals. Patients should verify coverage with their insurance provider. For first-time physicals, we recommend a follow-up visit to review diagnostic results, discuss any abnormal findings, create a treatment plan, and address patient concerns. Please note that the follow-up visit is separate from the physical exam and may be subject to copay, deductible, and co-insurance.

**Preparation Instructions: **

  • Fast for 10-12 hours before your visit (water is allowed).

  • Continue prescribed medications as usual.

Chronic Disease Management Visits:

These visits are designed for patients with stable chronic conditions and are scheduled based on diagnosis and individual health status. Typically, these follow-ups are planned for the year during the Annual Preventive Visit.

Annual Preventive Visits at Modern Family Medicine
General Follow-Up Visit at Modern Family Medicine Duluth GA

Evaluation & Management Visits for New Symptoms:

For patients experiencing new or uncontrolled symptoms, visit frequency will depend on the condition. Some symptoms may require multiple follow-ups for proper diagnosis and stabilization. Abnormal test results requiring counseling, further testing, new medications, or specialist referrals often necessitate an office visit.

Acute Illness-Sick Visits:

Sick visits for minor, non-life-threatening illnesses (e.g., respiratory infections) are usually scheduled at the next available appointment. These visits are typically brief. If symptoms persist or do not respond to treatment, a follow-up appointment may be necessary.

General Follow-Up Visit Information:

  • Patients are expected to follow recommendations for therapy, diagnostic testing, and scheduled office visits.

  • Follow-up after starting new treatment is usually advised within 2-4 weeks to assess adherence, check for side effects, adjust dosage if needed, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

  • Chronic conditions like newly diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus or Hypertension may require multiple visits to achieve proper control.

  • Once stabilized, follow-up visits for chronic conditions typically occur every 3, 4, or 6 months, depending on the number of conditions, medications, and patient status.

  • Follow-ups are common for abnormal lab results, diagnostic imaging, and persistent or recurrent conditions that do not respond to initial treatment.

Appointment & Visit Guidelines:

Modern Family Medicine sees patients by appointment but also accepts walk-ins and same-day visits based on availability. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the office.  

Appointment & Visit Guidelines:

  • Walk-ins & Same-Day Visits: Available depending on schedule availability. Calling ahead is recommended.

  • Arrival Time: Patients should arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled appointment to complete the check-in process.

  • Timeliness: While we strive to see patients on time, unforeseen circumstances may sometimes cause delays.

  • Appointment Reminders: Patients will receive reminders via phone call, email, and/or SMS text message.

  • Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule, please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance.

After-Hours Care:

For urgent medical concerns outside of normal business hours—including weekends, holidays, or office closures— call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Modern Family Medicine in Duluth, GA

Diagnostic Laboratory Test Results Reporting:

Patients will receive an email notification when their lab or test results are available. You can review your results on Patient Portal.

Important Information About Lab & Test Results:

  • Sensitive or abnormal results may not be accessible via the Patient Portal and may require a follow-up visit for discussion.

  • If you have questions or need clarification, you can contact your provider by calling our office, or by scheduling a follow-up appointment.

  • It is your responsibility to follow your physician’s recommendations regarding treatment adjustments, additional testing, or further follow-ups.

Follow-Up Visits:

  • Follow-up visits are recommended after your first Annual Preventive Visit/Physical and for new patients undergoing diagnostic testing.

  • Please note that follow-up visits are separate from the Annual Preventive Visit/Physical and may incur additional charges, depending on your insurance coverage.

Managing Your Lab Results:

To prevent unnecessary duplicate testing, we recommend keeping a copy of your lab results and bringing them to your other physician or specialist appointments.

Medication and Refill Request:

Refill requests can be made through the Patient Portal, the Healow app, by calling our office, or by requesting directly through your pharmacy.

Refill Guidelines:

  • Refills are typically provided during office visits and are intended to last until your next recommended follow-up appointment.

  • If you miss a scheduled follow-up appointment or do not follow your physician’s recommendations, your refill request will not be processed, and you will need to schedule a follow-up visit.

  • Please allow 3 business days for refill requests to be completed.

  • Refill requests will only be processed if your account balance is in good standing.

Important Notes:

  • Modern Family Medicine does not typically prescribe narcotics, stimulants, sleep aids, psychiatric medications, or any Schedule II controlled substances (e.g., painkillers).

  • For medications prescribed by specialists or providers outside of Modern Family Medicine, please contact them directly for refills.

Specialist Referrals

When necessary, Modern Family Medicine will refer patients to subspecialists for further evaluation and care.

Referral Process & Patient Responsibility:

  • If referred to a subspecialist, it is your responsibility to schedule the appointment.

  • If you are unable to do so, please inform Modern Family Medicine, and we can assist in facilitating the appointment.

  • You may also choose your own subspecialist if you prefer.

Insurance & Prior Authorization:

  • If your health insurance requires prior authorization for a referral, please notify us in advance.

  • Modern Family Medicine is not responsible for verifying whether a referred subspecialist, physician, or practice is covered under your specific insurance plan.

Hospital Admission & Emergencies:

When a patient is admitted to the hospital, their care is managed by the hospitalist services at that facility. It is important to notify the office of the admission and follow up with them after discharge. Additionally, patients should adhere to any follow-up recommendations provided by the hospital and outlined in their discharge instructions.

Off-Site Diagnostic Testing:

Some diagnostic tests may not be available at Modern Family Medicine. If this occurs, you will be referred to an off-site facility. It is your responsibility to schedule the appointment, verify insurance coverage, and confirm any out-of-pocket costs with both your insurer and the facility.

Form Completion:

Please allow up to seven business days for form completion. If you require short- or long-term disability documentation, you must obtain the appropriate forms from your subspecialist, as we typically do not complete disability forms. Additionally, there is a small fee associated with completing such forms.

Medical Record Request:

Patients who wish to share their medical information with a third party must complete the Authorization to Disclose/Transfer Health Information form, available on the Modern Family Medicine website (Medical Release Form). Medical records can be provided in either printed or electronic format. Additionally, records are accessible at any time through the Patient Portal. Please note that a small fee is associated with transferring medical records to cover administrative costs.

Hours of Operation & Holiday Schedule:

Hours of Operation:

  • Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  • Sat – Sun : Closed
    Closed on Major Holidays: (See Major Holiday Schedule below)

After-Hours & Weekend Assistance

Routine Office Matters:

Emergencies:

For urgent medical issues, proceed to the nearest Emergency Department or dial 911 immediately.

Major Holiday Schedule (Office Closed):

  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Labor Day (First Monday in September)
  • Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday & the following Friday in November)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)