Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are your office hours?
A: We are open 8-5 Monday-Friday. Our Open MRI is available Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to midnight.
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located at 3688 Veterans Memorial Drive in Hattiesburg. 1215 Hwy. 98 in Columbia and 411 W. North Street in Poplarville. We also have a trauma clinic at Forrest General Hospital.
Q: What are the specialties for each doctor?
A: Dr. Rocco Barbieri and Dr. Constantine Charoglu are the only fellowship trained hand and upper extremities surgeons in the area. Dr. Richard Conn and Dr. Elliott Nipper are fellowship trained in arthritic joint replacement. Dr. Susi Folse is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Dr. Doug Rouse and Dr. Lance Line are fellowship trained sports medicine surgeons. Dr. Keith Melancon is a general orthopaedic physician. Dr. Michael Patterson and Dr. James Antinnes are the only fellowship trained orthopaedic spine surgeons in the area. Dr. James Sikes is the orthopaedic surgeon who coordinates the Injury Clinic and Dr. Michael Stonnington is the director of trauma care services and a general orthopaedic surgeon.
Q: Do I need a referral?
A: Our office does not require a referral for office visits but a referral is required for MRI scans not ordered by our physicians. A referral may also be a requirement of your insurance plan. If you are unsure if your plan requires a referral, please contact your insurance company.
Q: What types of insurance do you accept?
A: Worker's compensation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Medicaid, United Healthcare and many others. Please contact the member services department for your insurance to verify our physicians participate in your particular plan.
Q: Will I have to pay a co-pay?
A:Yes, co-pays are collected at the time of service. Your co-pay is generally printed on your insurance card. If you are unsure of the amount of your co-pay, please contact your insurance company.
Q: What is your payment policy?
A: If you have valid insurance, we will collect any co-pay and/or deductible at the time of service and file your insurance. Otherwise, payment is due at the time of service. If you have questions or special concerns regarding payment at the time of service, please contact our office.
Q: What should I bring with me for my appointment?
A: Picture ID and insurance card, list of current medications, and completed patient forms that are available for download.
Q: Do you fill out disability forms?
A: We will complete routine forms you bring to the office. There is a $15 fee associated with this service.
Q: Are physician assistants used in surgery?
A: Yes. Certain surgical procedures require a surgical assistant. Most often, a physician will use the services of a physician extender/assistant. Insurance plans vary in how they cover the surgical services of a physician assistant. We urge you to contact your insurance company for clarification of coverage for this type of provider before surgery. This will prevent confusion should you receive an invoice from our office after surgery.
Q: What is an MRI?
A: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technology that uses a strong magnet and radiofrequency waves to produce pictures or "images" of the inside of the body. It does not use radiation. Because an MRI allows your doctor to see inside your body from any angle with great clarity, it gives doctors a wealth of information quickly and without surgery.
Q: Is there anything I must do to prepare for my MRI scan?
A: No special preparation is needed for your MRI examination. In most cases, you may follow your normal routine prior to your scan. You may eat and drink normally and take any prescriptions medications as usual.
Q: How long will my MRI scan take?
A: The length of your exam is dependent on the type of study performed. Most MRI exams are completed between 30-60 minutes. If you have multiple scans, the exam could last longer.
Q: When should I arrive for my MRI?
A: If you are an established patients (patients who have been seen at our facility previously), you should arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you are a new patient, you should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. If you are 15 minutes past your appointment time, it may be necessary to reschedule.
Q: Will I need to make payment arrangements prior to the MRI?
A: If you have provided us with accurate insurance information, we will make every effort to have the procedure pre-certified and contact you prior to your appointment. Based on your insurance coverage and deductible amount, you may be required to pay a deposit at the time of service. If a member of our MRI department has not contacted you regarding payment arrangements, please contact them at 601.554.7500.
Q: How long will it be before the results from the MRI procedure are available?
A: Typically, it takes 24 – 48 hours to receive the report. You will need to contact your physician directly for these results.
Q: Can I have someone in the MRI room with me during the procedure?
A: Yes. You may have one visitor in the room. The visitor will be asked to complete a questionnaire.
Q: How long will my MRI procedure last?
A: The length will depend upon the type of scan being performed. Most scans last between 35 to 60 minutes.
Q: Is there any radiation involved with a MRI?
A: No, there is no radiation involved with a MRI.
Q: If needed for anxiety, will I be able to obtain any type of medicine during the scan?
A: No medicines of any kind are dispensed in our MRI department. If you need medications, you must have a prescription from the ordering physician and bring your medication with you to the procedure.
Q: Can the technician hear me if I need them?
A: Yes, each room is equipped with speakers. You may talk to the MRI technician, and he/she can hear you.
Q. What is HIPAA ?
A: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( HIPAA) requires physicians and other healthcare providers who conduct electronic transactions and payors to adopt certain security measures to safeguard patients health information.
Q: How do I receive a copy of my medical records?
A: Call and request a release of information or download a copy. Return to form to 3688 Veterans Memorial Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 or fax to 601-554-7499. Records cannot be sent to insurance, attorney, vocational rehabilitation without a request comminus from that entity. Records will be mailed within one week. You may also come to the second floor and receive a copy of your records. The fee is $1 per page with a maximum of $15. If you are referred to another physician, your records will be faxed to that physician.
• Release of Information Form (Adobe PDF)
Q: What is the Injury Clinic?
A: SBJS offers access to our orthopaedic surgical specialists when you need it right away. The Injury Clinic can be the answer to your urgent orthopaedic needs without the difficulty of the emergency room. At SBJS, you will receive diagnosis, treatment and follow-up at the area’s most advanced orthopaedic center.
Q: Do I need a referral for Injury Clinic?
A: No, a referral is not necessary, unless it is required by your insurance company.
Q: Is it necessary to call before coming to the Injury Clinic?
A: Yes. You must first call our office to receive a time.
Q: Does the Injury Clinic have scheduled appointment times?
A: No. This is a first come first serve clinic, yet we try to stagger the arrival times for your convenience. As we review a given situation, some patients may need to go first, and we appreciate your understanding. If you prefer to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at a later time, please feel free to ask the receptionist. |
