Important Information

ATHENA PATIENT PORTAL:

  • Use only a desktop or laptop computer – do not use a phone or tablet
  • Please complete within five days or less of your appointment
  • A Patient Portal Link was sent by email the day you scheduled your appointment. Click on the Link. (If not found, please call our office.)
  • Click Register Now. Your code will be sent by text or phone
  • Input your code into the portal
  • Your email address is your user name – you will create a password
  • On the Home Page you will see information concerning your appointment
  • Click on the blue highlighted patient line
  • Click See More
  • Click the Check in now box; follow prompts
  • After reading, click Continue
  • Enter any allergies, medical history, medications, etc.
  • Always click Save & Next or your information will not be saved
  • Information provided will be entered into your chart before your appointment to save you time
  • If you have a problem completing this portal, please phone our office for assistance

VERY IMPORTANT: Please be prepared to come for your appointment having taken one saline enema one hour before leaving home if you are scheduled for an examination of the rectum. If your appointment concerns another problem, such as abdominal pain, or if you are unsure an enema is necessary, please phone our office.

Before Leaving Home

In order for us to provide the best care for you, it is very important that you bring the following items to your visit:

  • Photo ID (driver’s license or government issued ID)
  • Medical device ID card (such as pacemaker, defibrillator, stents)
  • Insurance information and card
  • Payment of your specialist co-pay amount. We accept cash, checks, debit cards, and Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards.
  • Your medical history. Please remember that we need as much medical information as possible to make your visit meaningful.
  • A list of your surgeries including the date (estimate, if unsure)
  • A list of your current medications including dates of use and dosage information
  • If you have had previous treatment, tests, or x-rays concerning your problem, copies of your medical records and test results would be helpful.
  • If necessary, bring someone you trust with you who can also listen while the doctor discusses your treatment options.
  • Bring a list of questions you may want to ask. You will have ample time to discuss your questions with the doctor after the results of your visit have been explained to you.

Patient Forms

NEW PATIENTS AND PATIENTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TO OUR OFFICE WITHIN THE LAST YEAR:

In order for us to provide the most efficient care for you, it is very important that you return your completed forms to our office as soon as possible. This information will be entered into your record prior to your appointment, saving you time on the day of your visit. (If you are completing the Health History Questionnaire on the Athena Patient Portal within five days of your visit, you do not have to complete the Health History Questionnaire paper form.) Please download and complete the following:

Your forms may be mailed to the Langhorne office, faxed to 215-741-4394, or attached to an email.

Please click on Patient Forms & Information in the blue bar above for a complete listing of forms and informational sheets.

Insurance

Our practice is in-network with most insurance plans, some of which are listed below. Please call the customer service phone number listed on your insurance card if you have any questions regarding our participation with your plan. Your insurance company can identify us by our group NPI # which is 1831338466.

AARP
Aetna
Amerihealth
Cigna
Cigna Healthspring
Coventry First Health
Gateway Medicare Assured and PA Select PlansHealth
Highmark Blue Shield
Horizon of NJ – Traditional plans only (not HMO plans)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Keystone
Medicare
Oxford
Personal Choice
PHCS
Railroad Medicare
Tricare (not HMO plans)
United Healthcare

Important: If your insurance requires a referral to a specialist, please make sure you contact your primary care physician prior to 48 hours before your appointment. Our specialty is Colon & Rectal Surgery (not Gastroenterology). Our NPI # is 1831338466. This information is needed for your referral. Please ask your primary physician’s office to list at least 3 visits on your referral. If your appointment is in less than 48 hours, please speak directly with a staff member in your primary care physician’s office. Do not leave a message on their referral line.

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to keep your office appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice. If you are unable to keep either your colonoscopy or surgery appointment, please notify us as soon as possible so we may offer this time slot to another patient.

If an appointment is not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, you may be charged a twenty-five dollar fee ($25); this will not be covered by your insurance company.

Prescriptions/Refills

Please allow 8 hours to process a prescription refill. You may request a refill by calling our office directly at 215-741-4910, and selecting the prompt for our nursing staff. If you are unable to speak directly to a nurse, please leave your full name, with the spelling of your last name, date of birth, medication and dosage, and the name, phone number, and location of your pharmacy.

Be sure to give us your best telephone number should we need to call you back.

Pain Medication Policy

Pain medications may be prescribed after your procedure or surgery.  Acute post-operative pain is defined as pain within the 30 days after surgery.  Anything longer is considered chronic pain and requires a pain management specialist to come up with a long-term plan for your pain.  We are happy to prescribe medication for up to 30 days after surgery, assuming we are providing no ongoing acute surgical care (e.g. wound care, staged operations, new procedures).  If you need medications beyond 30 days, you will need to call your primary care physician for refills and obtain a recommendation for a pain management doctor.

Claiming Disability

If  you require a disability form for time off from work, please allow one week for completion. You should request the disability paperwork from your employer or insurance company. The paperwork can be dropped off at our office, mailed, faxed to us at 215-741-4394, or attached to an email. If you prefer to email, please call the office for a specific email address. Include the first day you will be unable to work and the approximate time you will need off for recovery (days, weeks, etc.). Please let us know if you will be picking up your paperwork, or provide us with a name, address, or fax number where the completed forms should be sent. Be sure to include a phone number for the best way to reach you. There is a charge for each disability form completed.

Protecting Your Identity

We have implemented Privacy (PHI – Protected Health Information) Rules to prevent fraud & abuse. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID for your visit so that we may protect your identity.

  • Photo ID (driver’s license or government issued ID)
  • Insurance information and card