Hampton Regional Medical Center Announces Same Day Appointments at Coastal Plains Primary Care
Immediate Release
VARNVILLE, SC (December 19, 2013)-A person gets sick, calls the doctor and schedules an appointment for later that day. A good concept and one that is now available at Coastal Plains Primary Care, which is located on the Hampton Regional Medical Center campus.
Coastal Plains Primary Care, a department of Hampton Regional Medical Center, has implemented an open-access appointment system to allow patients to be seen the same or next day. It is part of their effort focused on patient centered care, which is becoming a standard in primary care as a way to improve outcomes and lower costs. It's also a way to provide more convenience to the patient.
"It's a patient satisfier," said Dave Hamill, CEO, Hampton Regional Medical Center. "If someone gets sick the night before and calls that morning, physicians want to be able to get those patients in quickly."
Hamill also notes that when someone's sick and makes an appointment for more than 24 hours into the future, they tend to become more ill. This leads to more emergency room and urgent care visits, which is something you want to avoid if possible.
At Coastal Plains Primary Care, patients who call in the morning will be seen that day or within 24 hours. If they call in the afternoon, they will most likely be scheduled for the next morning. It's important to note that individuals must call 943-7612 to schedule a same-day appointment rather than walk-in.
"We can get them in on the same day but it's important to have them call ahead of time. This allows us time to prepare for their visit and address their medical concerns," said Hamill. "We hope this will encourage patients to seek immediate care when needed as well as cut down on no-show rates."
Doctors have traditionally booked their schedules to account for no-show rates of anywhere from 20 to 50 percent but booking same-day appointments tend to cut down on those rates, which allow the physicians to see more patients on a timely basis. This is important when someone presents with an immediate illness.
Coastal Plains Primary Care will continue to book follow-up and scheduled visits as they have in the past. "Same day appointments will give patients more flexibility to be seen when needed. You never know when you might wake up sick one morning and need to see your physician immediately," says Hamill.
Coastal Plains Primary Care currently has four providers on staff who schedule primary care and family medicine appointments.
Dr. Malcolm Horry
Dr. Thomas Kucharchik
Dr. Dan Smith
Susan Henderson, PA-C
The four providers treat individuals from pediatrics to the senior population, and are currently scheduling new and established patient appointments.
To book an appointment at Coastal Plains Primary Care (same day or scheduled appointment), call: 943-7612.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS
How do I make an appointment?
Simply call Coastal Plains Primary Care at (803) 943-7612 before noon, and you'll be offered our next available same-day appointment with a primary care and family medicine practitioner. Depending on
availability you may be scheduled within 24 hours.
If you call after noon, the professional and courteous staff will assist you in making your appointment the following day. It is possible that an appointment could be offered to you that afternoon if there is availability. It's important to note that individuals must call 943-7612 to schedule a same-day appointment rather than walk-in.
What can I expect when I call for an appointment?
Upon calling, you will be asked a series of questions to help us identify you, as well as to help us understand your symptoms. If you are experiencing emergent conditions, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or another serious ailment, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Can I walk-in?
We highly encourage you to call ahead to schedule a same-day appointment. If an individual walks-in for treatment, we may not have any availability that day or at that time.
We will do our best to accommodate your needs to see a provider that day. Calling ahead to schedule your appointment will allow your physician time to prepare for your appointment in order to give you the attention you deserve to address your medical needs.
When are same-day appointments available?
Same-day appointments are available Monday - Friday,
(excluding holidays). However, if you are calling to schedule a physical or yearly wellness exam, or your need is not urgent, it is possible a same-day appointment might not be assigned to you. While we strive to accommodate all same-day appointment requests, it is our priority to offer such appointments to those patients with urgent needs.
Patients who call in the morning will be seen that day or within 24 hours. If you call in the afternoon, you will most likely be scheduled for the next morning. It's important to note that individuals must call 943-7612 to schedule a same-day appointment rather than walk-in.
Will I be able to see my regular provider?
The staff at Coastal Plains Primary Care will make every
attempt to have you see your regular provider. However, due to previously scheduled appointments your provider may not be available. The good news is that other providers and
physicians at Coastal Plains Primary Care might be available. These providers will work closely with your regular provider in order to provide seamless care.
Coastal Plains Primary Care currently has four providers on staff who schedule primary care and family medicine appointments.
Dr. Malcolm Horry
Dr. Thomas Kucharchik
Dr. Dan Smith
Susan Henderson, PA-C
The four providers treat individuals from pediatrics to the senior population, and are currently scheduling new and established patient appointments.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (803) 943-7612.
