Q: How long will it take me to get an appointment?
A: Patients with uncomplicated medical problems can usually be seen within 1 to 2 days. Physicals and new patients may take up to 2 weeks to be seen.
Q: Where are we located and how can you contact us?
A: We are located at 477 Route 28 Brookville,PA 15825, next to the Jefferson Manor, and you can contact us via our telephone:814-849-3035.
Q: What do I do if I need a refill on a medication I take every day?
A: Please allow us one business day (24 hours) to refill routine medication. It is our policy not to refill narcotics over the weekend or while on call after hours.
Q: What is the “call in” policy for medications and pain medications?
A: Please allow us one business day (24 hours) to refill routine medication. It is our policy not to refill narcotics over the weekend or while on call after hours. Pennsylvania state law will not allow some narcotics to be called or faxed to the pharmacy. A prescription for these medications must be picked up at the office.
Q: When will my lab results be available?
A: Most lab studies will be available within one week. You should receive a call from our office to inform you of both normal or abnormal results. PAP smear results usually will take 3 weeks to return. Please call the office if you are not notified about your results within a week.
Q: How do I get a referral to a specialist?
A: Most specialists do not require a referral. We will only make referrals for specialists if we have seen you in the office for the problem.
Q: Who do I call with a billing question?
A: Please call our office and ask to speak with our billing manager,Robin Lawson.
Q: When should I schedule a complete physical?
A: Women should start having annual physicals at 21 years or when they have become sexually active. After an initial physical and PAP screening your provider will determine how frequent your physical should be performed,based on your history and physical condition. Once a woman turns 50 she needs a physical done annually. Men should have one physical after turning 21. Starting at age 30 a man should have a physical every 3 years. At age 40 a physical should be done every 2 years. An annual physical is recommended for men age 50 and over.
Q: What are your hospital affiliations?
A: We are not affiliated with any hospital. We refer most patients to Brookville Area Hospital,DRMC,or Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. We work closely with the physicians at these institutions to facilitate your care.
Q: What is a “PA”?
A: A “PA” is a physicians assistant. This is a licensed medical provider capable of diagnosing and treating many medical problems. They work under the guidance of a medical doctor (MD) or an osteopathic medical doctor (DO)
Q: What is a “DO”?
A: A “DO” is an osteopathic medical physician who is licensed to practice in all 50 states. We can specialize in all medical specialties. Most “DO’s” are primary care physicians. We are also trained in manipulation that aids in the treatment of muscle disorders.
Q: How do I contact someone in case of an emergency?
A: For life threatening conditions such as chest pain,severe shortness of breath,severe bleeding,etc. call 911. For other minor emergencies call our office and if we are not available call our answering service at 800-647-0728
Q: Do I need to send my old records to you prior to my first visit?
A: Having your previous medical records is helpful but not necessary for your initial office visit. Once we obtain a copy of your records they are scanned into our electronic medical records. Afterwards,your previous records will be given to you.
Q: Can you treat my entire family?
A: As family physicians we are trained to care for children,including newborns,and the full range of adult medicine. We focus on preventative care and disease prevention. However,we utilize specialists for our complicated patients. We believe it is our responsibility to coordinate treatment with your specialist to optimize your care and outcome
Q: Will my insurance cover physicals?
A: We will bill your insurance company for services rendered,but it is the patients responsibility to ensure there is coverage for a particular service provided. Most private insurances will cover routine physicals.
Q: Do I need an appointment for an office visit or can I walk in without an appointment?
A: All office visits require an appointment. At PCA of WPA we often have same day appointments available.
Q: Can I be assured of total confidentiality?
A: Yes. We maintain confidentiality with a state of the art electronic health record. Our professional staff understands the importance of privacy and work hard to maintain it.
Q: Are your providers Board Certified?
A: Dr. Sneeringer and Dr. Chamberlin are both board certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). To maintain board certification each provider is required to obtain 50 hours of continuing medical education (CME) annually. Also,every seven years they must pass a recertification exam offered by the ABFM. Our PA is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Q: Do you have any female providers?
A: Yes. Dr. Chamberlin and Heather Barnett-Wall PAC are female providers.
Q: Why do you have to make a copy of my insurance card every time I come in?
A: To assure proper processing of your medical bill we ask for your insurance information at each visit.