Patient Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Internist?

An internist is a specialist in the care of adult, non-surgical medical problems. In general, an internist is a diagnostician, consultant, personal physician, and teacher.

What Is An Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is an internist who has former specialized in diseases which affect the hormone secreting glands, which include the insulin secreting portion of the pancreas; thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands: as well as the glands which produce sex hormones.

Due to Dr. Orzeck's extensive experience in the management of diabetes mellitus, this office is able to provide a full range of care and service for the diabetic patient; including specialized care of the pregnant diabetic and innovative developments, such as the use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring.

What can I expect on my first visit?

Patients who have not been seen by Dr. Orzeck before will be asked to fill out a patient information form and will have the reason for the visit and medical history directly obtained, followed by the appropriate physical examination. While this makes a first visit more lengthy and expensive than most regular visits, this is essential to ensure that you will receive the best care possible.

If you were referred to Dr. Orzeck, the information obtained, including laboratory studies and treatment recommendations, will be promptly communicated to the referring physician.

How are payments handled?

Patients are expected to pay for services at the time of their visit. Your cooperation in this is greatly appreciated. As a courtesy to our patients, VISA, MasterCard, or American Express can be used to pay professional charges.

Fees will vary according to the time required for the consultation, therefore initial visits will be more due to the extra information which must be handled at the time. Any laboratory studies will add to the cost of a visit and are also to be paid at the time of the visit.

How will my insurance claim be handled?

Your copy of your receipt contains all the information your insurance company finds necessary for filing an insurance claim. Simply attach it to your signed claim form and mail it to your carrier. The doctor's signature is not required. Please make sure the diagnosis is on either your office receipt or your claim form. Medicare assignments are accepted.

The Business Office will be glad to answer any questions that you may have. Their telephone number is 281-342-7870.

What about prescription refills?

Prescription refills are approved only during office hours as your chart must be available. For refills, call your pharmacist and he will contact us for authorization. Under Texas law, certain medications are refillable by the pharmacist only by direct communication with the prescribing physician. Occasionally, therefore, there may be a delay in their approval. Please allow for this when obtaining refills, preferably by calling your pharmacist at least 24 hours in advance of your need of the medicine.

If you have missed an appointment, a small amount of your medicine may be refilled to allow you to schedule a return appointment and still remain under treatment.

What if I have other questions?

The professional staff is prepared to assist you with any questions that you may have. In those cases where Dr. Orzeck needs to talk to you, calls are returned after patients are seen in the morning and afternoon, at approximately noon and 5 P.M. Please leave appropriate telephone numbers for the time of day.

We are anxious to provide quality medical care and welcome your comments and suggestions as to how we can best serve you.