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How We Can Serve You

The patient's total care and convenience is our priority. In testing and treatment, Family Health Center uses state-of-the art equipment. We are equipped to provide non-invasive cardiac testing including EKGs, 24-hour heart monitoring, and treadmill stress test. Our lab offers complete blood chemistry tests, urinalysis, and stool checks for blood. The staff of Family Health Center provides assistance with minor office surgery, pulmonary function testing, and fracture care.

The Radiology Department performs x-rays of any body site. We now offer digital x-rays. We can also provide ultrasounds, echocardiograms and bone densitometry.

We also have the capability to treat hemorrhoids with a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure.

Prescriptions Policy

All prescriptions and authorizations for renewals should be requested during regular office hours. Please call your pharmacist for prescription refills. The pharmacist will fill the prescription or call our office for authorization.

Hospital Care

Our doctors have staff privileges at both Manatee Memorial Hospital and Blake Medical Center. They make daily visits to hospitalized patients under our direct care. If a patient's family needs to speak to the doctor, a family representative should call the office between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. The exchange of information about a patient is best accomplished if you select one family member to contact the doctor.

Preauthorization

Many of the managed care and HMO plans we participate in require authorization for referrals to specialists, as do some radiology procedures, outpatient procedures, and hospitalization. Our staff will assist you in obtaining referrals when necessary. Please contact our office staff prior to the date of your scheduled appointment or procedure and our referral coordinator and nurses will obtain the necessary information to process your request. They will contact you once your authorization and appointment have been confirmed.

Physician Assistant

Family Health Center is fortunate to have two skilled physician assistants on staff to provide a broad range of medical services under the direct supervision of our licensed physicians. The scope of a physician assistant's practice includes obtaining medical histories, performing physical examinations, ordering or performing diagnostic tests, obtaining laboratory data, diagnosing and treating common medical problems, assisting in surgery, and administering emergency care.

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In Case of Emergency:
There is a physician on call 24 hours a day including weekends and holidays. If a true emergency should arise when the office is closed, call (941) 722-7785. Our answering service will contact the physician on call. If the emergency is life-threatening, call 911 for an ambulance and proceed to the nearest emergency room. The physician on duty in the emergency room will evaluate your situation and a Family Health Center physician will be notified.

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Office Hours:
Regular office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm The office is closed on weekends and major holidays. Our answering service will always be available to take messages when the office is closed. We request that after-hour calls be limited to matters of emergency.