FAQ

Q: Which health insurances do we accept?
A: We accept most commercial insurance and medicare. Please call us to check if Dr. Thakkar is on your insurance plan.

Q: How soon I can get an appointment?
A: Same day appt for urgent/symptomatic care. Non-urgent appt in 2 to 3 days.

Q: Can I "Walk-in" for an office visit?
A: Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to provide such option however we will make every effort to accommodate your needs so please call us.

Q: What is difference between an internal medicine doctor and family doctor?
A: An Internal Medicine physician is mainly trained to diagnose and treat all health conditions seen in adolescent and adult individuals. Internist are also trained to manage more complex and difficult health problems such as heart and lung diseases, stroke, diabetes. An Internist does not treat children or deliver babies, whereas family practice physician do treat children and may perform deliveries. So, an Internal Medicine doctor are trained specialist who can also be a family doctor for an adult.

Q: What should I do in case of medical emergency?
A: Please call 911 for emergencies. For urgent health problems please call our office. If it is after hours have answering service page Dr. Thakkar.

Q: Should I come earlier at the time of appointment?
A: You should arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you are a new pateint please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time.

Q: How long will it take once I am in the exam room?
A: Generally a sick or follow up visit requires 15 to 35 minutes based on the complexity of the illness. An annual physical or new patient visit requires 45 to 60 minutes.

Q: What do I need to bring at the time of visit (appointment)?
A: Please bring your current health insurance card, a photo ID and co-payment (if required per your insurance plan). If you are a new patient please bring a completed health history and registration form, any medical records that are available to you and list/bottles of your current medications. We accept cash, check and credit card (Visa/Master Card).

Q: How can I get most out of my visit with the doctor?
A: Arrive on time. Bring available records and list/bottles of your current medications. Bring a short list of questions that you want answered. Be open and let doctor know if you didnot understand the instruction. Ask for written instruction if needed.

Q: Is there Lab/EKG/X-ray services at our location?
A: We have a Laboratory and X-ray services provided by Condell in our building (Mon to Fri: 9 am to 5 pm). EKG and some basic tests are performed in the office.

Q: Do I need to come fasting for the office visit?
A: Not, unless you were specifically told when you made an appointment or on previous visit. Generally, blood work is done after visit as necessary. You may want to come fasting for complete physical (if scheduled in morning hours).

Q: What should I do for prescription refills?
A: Please call your pharmacy at least 2-3 days in advance for any refill on regular medication. Your pharmacy will contact our office. You may also call our office. It is our policy not to refill "narcotics" or other pain medications on the weekends or after hours so call during office hours for such refills.

Q: What if I need to be hospitalized?
A: Dr.Thakkar has previleges at Condell Medical Center. He will admit, treat and follow you during the hospitalization. A covering physician will take care of you on rare occasions when he is not available.

Q: What if I need to be admitted to nursing home?
A: To maintain continuity of care Dr.Thakkar will follow you in certain nursing homes.

Q: Whom should I call regarding a billing question?
A: If you have any question regarding your statement or patient account please call our office at 847-548-9186.

Q: Do you have payment plans?
A: We do offer payment plan for patients with no insurance or high deductibles. We will reduce charges on case by case basis for patients with financial hardship.

Q: When will I receive statement of charges for the services?
A: We prepare and submit claims to your insurance insurance company with in fews days. You will generally receive statement after your insurance company has paid its portion. We will send you the bill if your insurance company doesnot respond in reasonable time. Also, co-payment is due at the time of service.

Q: Why I am charged so much when I was there for a "small" problem?
A: There are several things that happen when are seen in the office. Doctor reviews your relevant medical records beforehand and has to document the details of the visit (which is often done after you leave). Calling in prescription for your medications and co-ordinating your care with consultants/dianostic facilities requires time. Also, any diagnostic studies ordered has to be reviewed and notified to you. This is all considered part of your visit.

Q: What should I do if I need some forms completed by the doctor?
A: You may bring it on your next visit and give it to secretary. Alternatively, You may send it to our office and it will completed for an additional charge of $20 which will be billed directly to you (Insurance companies generally do not pay for such services). Again, forms that requires certain test or physical exam has to done with an office visit.

Q: Where should I send payment for the services?
A: Parag B. Thakkar, MD, S.C. PO Box 7035 Libertyville, IL 60048

Q: Whom should I make check payable to?
A: Parag B. Thakkar, MD, S.C.

Q: How can I get my medical records?
A: If you have been referred to a consultant/specialist we will forward your relevant records via mail or fax. You may also be given records to hand-carry with you. However, if you need your records transferred to another provider you will be required to sign a release of medical records and pay appropiate cost. Unfortunately due to rising cost we will have to charge for cost of copying/mailing/processing as allowed by Illinois state statute. It may be waived in certian circumstances.

Please call us at (847) 548-9186 if you have any further questions.