FAQ's

How do I get a refill on a medication? Effective 4/15/2022

UrbanCare is dedicated to your health and medical care, including managing your medications. Our goal is to assist our patients with prescription requests in an efficient and timely manner.  Due to the volume of prescription requests and an increase in services outside of patient visits, we are implementing a new policy effective April 15th, 2022. When contacting your provider for prescription refills (non-controlled substance) outside of an office visit a $25 charge will be added to your account per prescription.  This is not covered by commercial insurance and is the patient’s responsibility.

Controlled substance prescription refills outside of an office visit will require a physician consultation.

Addressing these refills during your office visit will avoid these charges.  Typically, these charges are covered for Medicare patients who are enrolled in Chronic Care Management.

Is there a fee for filling out patient forms, referrals, school/work notes, or any additional questions or queries?  Effective 4/15/2022

Services such as forms, referrals, notes, or additional questions or queries are included when addressed in an office visit.  Due to the volume of requests for services outside of patient office visit, we are implementing a new policy effective April 15th, 2022.  Referrals, patient forms, or any other additional questions or queries are based on clinical time spent and are charged at $150 per hour, with a minimum of 20 minutes per request.

This is not covered by commercial insurance and is the patient’s responsibility.

Addressing these questions during your office visit will avoid these charges.  Typically, these charges are covered for Medicare patients who are enrolled in Chronic Care Management.

What should I bring to my first office visit at UrbanCare?

Driver’s license/photo ID, current insurance card(s), completed new patient forms, list of current medications, payment for co-pay (if applicable)

What is required for my presurgical clearance appointment?

Please contact your surgeon’s office and request they send over your pre-surgical order at least 48 hours prior to your presurgical appointment at UrbanCare.

How often am I able to get an annual physical?

This largely depends on your specific insurance, so you would need to call your insurance carrier to confirm. We suggest allowing 1 year +1 day between these visits to help ensure there are no issues with the visit being covered.

How often am I eligible to have an Annual Wellness Visit under Medicare?

Medicare covers an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) once every 12 months. The AWV is not an annual physical. AWV includes:

• • Review of medical and family history
  • Developing/updating list of current providers and prescriptions
  • Height, weight, blood pressure and other routine measurements
  • Detection of any cognitive impairment
  • Personalized health advice and treatment options
  • Screening schedule for preventive services

What is UrbanCare’s cancellation/reschedule policy?

We require a minimum of 24 hour notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment. Any appointment that is cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hour notice will be accessed a fee of $50.00.

Do the doctors make rounds at any of the hospitals?

No, the doctors do not make rounds at the hospitals. Apollo Hospitalist Group is onsite at Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Northwestern Medicine Huntley, Advocate Sherman and Advocate Good Shepherd and they see our patients for inpatient care. This is a common practice and allows for our doctors to have more availability to see patients in the office.

What is Primary Care?

Primary care is a type of healthcare provided by doctors who are specifically trained to handle various health issues ranging from prevention and wellness to common illnesses and chronic disease management.

What services do primary care physicians provide?

Primary care physicians offer a wide range of services including wellness exams, immunizations, chronic disease management, minor surgical procedures, and urgent care for sudden illnesses or injuries.

How often should I visit my primary care physician?

It's recommended to see your primary care physician at least once a year for a wellness exam. Patients with chronic conditions or ongoing health issues may need to visit more frequently.

Can primary care doctors perform physical exams for school or sports?

Yes, primary care doctors can perform physical exams required for school admissions and sports participation, ensuring that students meet health standards for safety and performance.

What is the difference between primary care and urgent care?

Primary care involves ongoing health management and preventive care, while urgent care is focused on immediate medical issues that are not life-threatening. Primary care physicians also build long-term relationships with patients to manage their overall health.

Do primary care clinics offer immunizations?

Yes, primary care clinics provide a full range of immunizations for children, adults, and travelers to protect against various diseases.

How do I choose a primary care physician?

Choose a primary care physician based on factors like credentials, experience, location, availability, and whether they are covered by your health insurance plan. Here is a list of all our providers for you to decide from. (List)