Appointments
Appointments may be made during office hours by calling 757-410-7390. Once you are established with our practice, making online appointments is an available option for you.
If your appointment cannot be kept due to unforeseen circumstances, please notify us as soon as possible so we may offer the time to another patient.
After hours and emergency care
If you’re experiencing an emergency, dial 911 and go to the nearest emergency room. If you have questions the need to be answered immediately, an on-call physician is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 757-410-7390. Dr. Ruetzel is on call and available most days, but there are days where another physician is on call.. Emergencies will always receive priority regardless of the time or day. Please do not wait to call. If you happen to be in our office when an emergency arises, we asked for your patience for any delay that arises. We appreciate your understanding, and believe our patients will find reassurance knowing they would receive the same care in a similar situation.
Prescription renewals
Please call your pharmacy first to check on your refill status. Prescriptions are renewed during normal office hours.. Please allow up to 72 hours for renewal. We may require that the patient be scheduled for an appointment prior to a prescription renewal.
Laboratory procedures
All laboratory results are reviewed by the providers. If the results are negative/normal, the results will then be forwarded to the patient through the secure patient portal. If results need further discussion, an attempt will be made by the provider to call the patient to discuss. Most laboratory procedures are billed by an outside lab. If your insurance requires you to go to a specific laboratory, please notify your provider. If you have billing questions regarding your laboratory charges, please call the lab company or billing company on your bill.
Medical records
All medical records are confidential and will not be released without the patient’s authority unless otherwise required by law. To requests a copy of your medical records, a release of information form most be signed by the patient. Medical records from Rand Gynecology are now held by Ruetzel Gynecology & Obstetrics. To obtain a copy of these records, a release of information form must also be signed. Records of care from 2012-2015 are digital and are easily faxed or printed. Medical records prior to that are still in the original paper charts and are stored off site. For copies of these older records there will be a $10.00 charge plus an additional $0.50 per page for the first fifty pages and $0.25/page thereafter.
Financial
As medical care providers, our relationship is with you, not with your insurance company. Our goal is to provide fast and efficient billing as a courtesy to you. To accomplish this, patients must be aware of their insurance coverage, provide complete and accurate insurance information, and notify the office immediately of any changes in insurance coverage. Please remember to bring your insurance card(s) with you to each appointment. It is expected that our patients pay co-pays and account balances at the time of service. It is the patient’s responsibility to pay for services rendered, regardless of your insurance coverage. Our office accepts Visa, Master card, debit cards, and cash for payment. If you are “self pay”, or plan not to use your insurance for other reasons, please discuss this with the office manager. Please contact our office (757-410-7390) for financial concerns or billing/insurance issues.