Included as Part of Annual Fee:
- Comprehensive annual physical examination (under age 40 will be every 24 months) This is a wellness exam, not in connection with any illness or injury, and will include appropriate screening tests at Dr. DeBruin's discretion. Exams generally will include a detailed physical examination, vision, pulmonary function testing, EKG, urinalysis and body fat analysis. Additionally, we will review your medical history and risk factors using health questionnaire and direct interview tools. If appropriate, TB testing and/or a chest x-ray will be done. Depending on your particular situation and risk factors, a sigmoidoscopy may be done. When appropriate, exercise treadmill testing may be done. A basic lab panel will be included in the exam. If needed, a follow up visit will also be included so that I can review results with you and make recommendations. Copies of all findings will be reviewed and if desired will be supplied to the patient. Depending on your particular health situation, appropriate additional tests may be recommended. Patients will be encouraged and reminded to schedule this annual exam. It is my hope that by offering an annual comprehensive wellness exam it will incentivize you to safeguard your health on a regular basis, which you already know you should be doing.
- Same-day or next business day appointments will be offeredwith the exception of your annual exam, even for minor and non-urgent medical problems.
- Little or no office waiting timeand typically longer appointments, as needed.
- Strong focus on preventive medicine and long-term health and wellness Depending on each patient’s personal needs, I will offer a health risk assessment and counseling for weight management, nutrition, and exercise.
- Direct phone access to my assistants and to meduring office hours. All phone calls will be returned promptly, but if you deem your problem “urgent” I will speak to you at the time you call. You, the patient, define what “urgent” means. If you think it is urgent, we think it is urgent.
- My personal cell phone and pager numbers will be providedallowing easy access to me 24/7. You are invited to use them if you have an urgent medical problem outside office hours. I trust you to use that access only when necessary, but encourage you to do so before seeking medical help elsewhere. Ideally, I want to hear from you when you are ill or injured before you go to the hospital or an urgent care center, or immediately after you have called paramedics. I may be able to handle your situation by phone. While there are instances when I will be away or unavailable, my practice will always be covered in the same responsive manner by a dedicated physician.
- Convenient fax or e-mail access for non-urgent health issues or questionsif you desire. You will receive a prompt (usually within 24 hours) response. Email responses will be at the discretion of Dr. DeBruin vs. calling the patient.
- House calls. With the availability we have for our patients at the office, these visits are rarely necessary. However, if Dr. DeBruin deems that such a visit is essential to your health and well being, it will be handled on a case by case basis.
- Specially trained staff dedicated to your care. They will assist you and will advocate on your behalf. My staff and I will make every attempt to facilitate prompt and convenient outside consultations for you when they are needed.
- Confidence when you travel. When traveling, being able to call your doctor when you are sick can make a huge difference. We can help evaluate your problem, phone in prescriptions and if needed arrange a follow up in the office upon your return.