Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know before my appointment?
How do I contact a nurse at Shepherd Center?
Does Shepherd Center accept urine specimens from home?
How do I obtain the results of my lab tests?
Are Shepherd Center physicians considered primary care physicians?
Can I come to Shepherd Center for emergencies?
How do I get my prescriptions refilled?
How can I get my foley or suprapubic (sp) tube changed?
How can I get a new wheelchair, a wheelchair repair or a wheelchair cushion?
How long does it typically take for me to be seen by a Shepherd Center physician after making an appointment?
Where can I go to discuss my hospital bill?
How can I get a copy of my medical records?
How do I get my Letters/Forms of Disability filled out?
What do I need to know before my appointment?
On the day of your visit please arrive at least 15 minutes early. We have a very tight schedule and may not be able to honor your appointment if you are late. In the event you think you will be late, please call 404-352-2020. The scheduler will advise you whether you need to reschedule. If you know you cannot keep your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible so that another patient may be scheduled.
Please bring the following:
Worker's Compensation
If you are a worker's compensation case, it is helpful to have your case manager accompany you during your visit.
Invoicing
After your visit, you will receive two separate invoices, one from the physician and one from Shepherd Center. Shepherd Center will file your claim.
Parking
Parking is available in the Shepherd Center parking deck. After parking, take the elevator to the first floor and follow the hallway to Outpatient Services.
How do I contact a nurse at Shepherd Center?
Please call 404-352-2020 and ask to leave a message for an outpatient nurse. Messages are picked up daily and returned by the end of the day, usually within 2-3 hours from when a call is placed. Please leave your message only once.
Does Shepherd Center accept urine specimens from home?
No. Shepherd Center must oversee the urine collection process to ensure the specimen is collected under sterile conditions. In the event a Shepherd Center physician orders a urine specimen, you must schedule an appointment to come to Shepherd and provide a urine specimen. To make arrangements, please call 404-352-2020. If you are using a foley/sp, it must be changed before a specimen can be collected.
How do I obtain the results of my lab tests?
If you have blood work done at Shepherd Center, we automatically call you if you have any abnormal results or if an action needs to be taken because of the results. Due to the volume of calls we are required to make, we do not call patients if their results are "normal." If you want to call about your results, please wait three days for cultures and one day for blood work, then call 404-352-2020.
Are Shepherd Center physicians considered primary care physicians?
No. Our physicians are referral-based and provide care for your disability. We recommend that all people have a primary care physician (PCP) who can address any medical needs and oversee your medical care. However, you are not required to have a primary care physician unless your insurance plan requires you to have one, such as Medicaid. When a primary care physician is required, Shepherd Center must get a referral from that physician before a patient can be seen. This includes all lab and x-rays.
Can I come to Shepherd Center for emergencies?
Shepherd Center is not designed for emergencies. We offer outpatient services that require clinic appointments. In the event you have an emergency, call 911 or go to your local emergency room. We also recommend that you have a primary care physician, so you can contact them for emergency situations.
How do I get my prescriptions refilled?
Please have prescriptions refilled during your clinic visit. In the event your prescriptions need refilling prior to your office visit, contact Shepherd Center's call center at 404-350-7355 and press 2. Be prepared to leave your name, telephone number, the name and telephone number of the pharmacy, and the name and dosage of the medication you want refilled. Shepherd Center physicians refill prescriptions with certain conditions.
They include the following:
Please do not let your medications run out. Be prepared and call in advance. It may take the call center 24-48 hours to obtain a refill order.
How can I get my foley or suprapubic (sp) tube changed?
We encourage every patient with an indwelling foley/sp to have a family member or significant other (who is trained) to insert the catheter. If this is not possible, Shepherd Center will write an order for a home health provider to change the foley/sp at the home. Some patients may tolerate foley/sp changes every two to three months, while others may require a monthly change. Every patient with a foley/sp should keep an extra catheter at the home in case it stops draining and must be changed. If you choose to come to Shepherd Center for a foley/sp change, please bring your supplies with you, including your catheter.
How can I get a new wheelchair, a wheelchair repair or a wheelchair cushion?
You must obtain a referral from your Shepherd Center physician prior to scheduling an appointment for any of these services. The referral must state "PT evaluation for Seating and Mobility." The referral must be less than 30 days old. In some instances, Medicaid and other insurance companies require that your primary care physician (PCP) be the referring physician. In the event your insurance plan requires that the PCP write the referral, we must receive the prescription from the PCP. The PCP may fax the order to Shepherd Center at 404-350-7356.
How long does it typically take for me to be seen by a Shepherd Center physician after making an appointment?
Patient scheduling depends on the availability and patient-load of our doctors. Patients who are new to Shepherd Center will be seen by one of our physicians on the first visit. Patients who are scheduling follow-up appointments are encouraged to make appointments with one of our three nurse practitioners who are available for your health care needs. Our nurse practitioners are experienced, credentialed providers who practice under the standard protocols. Our nurse practitioners are:
· Sandra Williams – Wound Care Clinic
· Laura Schmeier – Multi-Specialty Clinic
· Tracy Walker – Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
Where can I go to discuss my hospital bill?
A financial counselor at Shepherd Center can be reached at 404-367-1380. Please feel free to call and discuss your concerns.
How can I get a copy of my medical records?
If you have access to the Internet, visit Shepherd Center's web site at www.shepherd.org and click on "About Shepherd Center." Follow the link to "How to Request Medical Records." If you do not have access to the Internet, please call 404-350-7355.
How do I get my Letters/Forms of Disability filled out?
The best way to have your forms completed and signed by the physician is to coordinate your appointment with the time your letter is due. Bring your forms with you at the time of your appointment and have everything taken care of at one time. If this is not possible, please fax your forms to the attention of Emily Cade at 404-350-3080, or mail them to:
Attn: Emily Cade
Outpatient Services
Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, GA., 30309
Please allow up to one month for Letters of Disability.
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