Things to know before your visit
HOURS
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
After Hours: In the event of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For concerns of an urgent nature, please call 810-824-4222 and you will be connected with Dr. Dowden’s answering service who will page Dr. Dowden for you.
APPOINTMENTS
Our goal is to schedule routine office visits with the provider of your choice. We do this whenever possible in order to promote the continuity of your medical care. Every effort is made to accommodate sick patients promptly and they are often seen within the same day.
Please tell the receptionist the nature and severity of your problems when you call. Our appointment policy is designed to minimize your waiting time. Our receptionists do their best to arrange appointments that are convenient for you.
Medical emergencies and related events are, of course, unpredictable and may detain your provider at the hospital or in the office. Our staff will inform you of any significant delay.
PAYMENT
We expect payment at the time of your visit. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. If you have an insurance copay, then you must satisfy this requirement before being seen. If this policy presents an undue hardship to your family now, or at any time in the future, please discuss your situation with our office manager or medical biller.
INSURANCE
We participate with a number of insurance plans. Since managed care plans change frequently it is important to make sure that we have correct insurance plan information. In order to use your insurance benefit, without extra out-of-pocket expense, it is your responsibility to notify us of any changes in your plan. Please present your insurance card at the time of check-in for your appointment.
Please call the office to see if we participate with your particular insurance plan. You may also inquire about our self-pay discount policy.
REFERRALS
Because of the broad training that our providers have received we are able to care for most medical conditions without medical subspecialty consultation. Generally, the managed care insurance companies require a referral from the family physician before they will allow coverage for subspecialty care. In these instances, an appointment in the office is usually required before a referral can be authorized. When a specialist is needed, we will coordinate your treatment so that your referral will be tailor-made and convenient for your needs.
TELEPHONE MESSAGES
Telephone messages to our office are generally handled first by our receptionist and then by our triage staff. Urgent messages are answered as soon as possible. In order to prevent a lapse in care, please call us during regular office hours at least 3-5 business days before you need a refill of your medications.