Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services, appointments, and more

Appointments & Scheduling

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment online through our website, via your patient portal, or by calling us at 718-859-7446. We offer same-day appointments for urgent needs.

Can I schedule same-day appointments?

Yes, we reserve appointment slots each day for same-day urgent visits. Call us in the morning for best availability.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Please call us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient.

How early should I arrive for my appointment?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork and check-in procedures.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

Yes, we offer extended hours including evenings and weekends to accommodate your schedule. Check our hours for specific availability.

Cardiology

When should I see a cardiologist?

You should see a cardiologist if you have risk factors for heart disease, symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or if your primary care physician recommends it.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A stress test monitors your heart's activity while you exercise, helping us diagnose coronary artery disease and assess your heart's function.

Do you offer preventive cardiology services?

Yes, we provide comprehensive cardiac risk assessments and preventive care programs to help you maintain heart health.

COVID-19 & Safety

Do you offer COVID-19 testing?

Yes, we offer both rapid antigen and PCR COVID-19 testing. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment.

Do you provide COVID-19 vaccinations?

Yes, we provide COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Please call to schedule your vaccination appointment.

What safety measures are in place?

We follow all CDC guidelines including enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing measures, and mask requirements when necessary to ensure patient and staff safety.

Dermatology

How often should I get a skin cancer screening?

We recommend annual skin cancer screenings for adults. If you have risk factors or a history of skin cancer, more frequent screenings may be needed.

Do you treat acne in teenagers?

Yes, we provide comprehensive acne treatment for patients of all ages, including teenagers.

Can you remove moles?

Yes, we can remove moles for medical or cosmetic reasons. We'll examine the mole and discuss the best approach.

DOT Physicals

How long is a DOT medical card valid?

Most DOT medical cards are valid for 24 months. Some conditions may require more frequent exams (annually or every 3-6 months).

What if I have a medical condition?

Many conditions can be managed and still allow you to drive commercially. Bring documentation from your treating physician.

Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments ensure minimal wait time.

General Questions

What are your office hours?

Our Valley Stream location is open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 10am-3pm. Our Brooklyn location is open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. Hours may vary by department.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes! We welcome walk-ins for most services. However, scheduling an appointment ensures minimal wait time and guarantees availability.

Where are you located?

We have two convenient locations: Valley Stream at 193 N Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580, and Brooklyn. Visit our contact page for detailed directions.

How do I get my medical records?

You can request your medical records through your patient portal or by contacting our office directly. We'll process your request within 30 days as required by law.

Do you offer telemedicine appointments?

Yes! We offer telemedicine consultations for many services. You can schedule a virtual visit through your patient portal or by calling our office.

Home Care Services

Who qualifies for home care services?

Patients who are homebound due to illness, injury, or disability and require skilled nursing care may qualify.

Does insurance cover home care?

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover home care services when medically necessary. We'll verify your coverage.

How often will a nurse visit?

Visit frequency is determined by your care plan and medical needs, ranging from daily to weekly visits.

Immigration Medical Exams

What documents do I need to bring?

Bring your government-issued photo ID, vaccination records, and any relevant medical history. If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian.

How long does the exam take?

The complete examination typically takes 1-2 hours, including vaccinations and testing.

When will I receive my sealed envelope?

Most exams are completed and sealed envelopes are ready within 3-5 business days.

Insurance & Billing

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and many others. Please call to verify your specific plan.

Do you accept Medicare and Medicaid?

Yes, we accept both Medicare and Medicaid, as well as most Medicare Advantage plans.

What if I don't have insurance?

We offer self-pay options and can work with you on payment plans. Please speak with our billing department about affordable payment options.

How do I get a cost estimate for services?

Contact our billing department with your insurance information and the service you need. We'll provide an estimate based on your coverage.

When will I receive my bill?

Bills are typically sent 2-4 weeks after your visit, after we've processed your insurance claim. You can also view bills through your patient portal.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for patients who need them. Contact our billing department to discuss options.

Laboratory Services

Do I need to fast before blood work?

Fasting requirements depend on the specific tests ordered. We'll inform you if fasting is necessary when you schedule your appointment.

How quickly will I get my results?

Most routine tests are completed within 24-48 hours. Some tests may take longer. Results are sent electronically to your physician.

Do you accept insurance for lab work?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We'll verify your coverage before testing.

Medical Marijuana

When should I go to urgent care vs. the emergency room?

Visit urgent care for non-life-threatening conditions like minor injuries, infections, or illnesses. Go to the ER for chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or other life-threatening emergencies.

What are your urgent care hours?

We're open extended hours including evenings and weekends. Please check our locations page for specific hours at each clinic.

Do you take insurance for urgent care visits?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Please bring your insurance card to your visit.

New Patients

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, we are currently accepting new patients at both our Valley Stream and Brooklyn locations.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your insurance card, photo ID, list of current medications, relevant medical records, and any completed new patient forms.

How do I transfer my medical records?

You can request that your previous provider send your records to us, or we can help you obtain them. We'll need a signed release form.

Do I need a referral to become a patient?

Most insurance plans do not require a referral for primary care. However, some HMO plans may require one. Please check with your insurance provider.

Patient Portal & Technology

How do I access my patient portal?

You can access your patient portal through our website. If you haven't registered yet, ask our staff for an activation code at your next visit.

What can I do in the patient portal?

Through the patient portal, you can view test results, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, view your medical history, communicate with your care team, and pay bills.

How do I get my lab results?

Lab results are posted to your patient portal as soon as they're available. You'll receive a notification when new results are ready to view.

Can I request prescription refills online?

Yes, you can request prescription refills through your patient portal. Please allow 48 hours for processing.

Pediatrics

What age range do you see in pediatrics?

We provide care for children from birth through age 18.

Do you offer same-day appointments for sick children?

Yes, we reserve appointment slots each day for sick visits. Call us in the morning for same-day availability.

What vaccines do you provide?

We provide all CDC-recommended childhood vaccinations, including flu shots, MMR, DTaP, and more.

Pre-Employment Physicals

What should I bring to my pre-employment physical?

Bring your photo ID, any forms from your employer, vaccination records, and a list of current medications.

How long does the exam take?

Most pre-employment physicals take 30-60 minutes, depending on employer requirements.

When will my employer receive the results?

Results are typically sent to employers within 24-48 hours of your examination.

Primary Care

How often should I see my primary care physician?

We recommend annual check-ups for healthy adults. If you have chronic conditions, you may need more frequent visits as recommended by your physician.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes! We welcome walk-ins during our business hours. However, scheduling an appointment ensures minimal wait time.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your insurance card, photo ID, list of current medications, and any relevant medical records from previous providers.

Radiology & Imaging

Do I need an appointment for X-rays?

Walk-ins are welcome for X-rays, but appointments ensure minimal wait time.

How long does it take to get imaging results?

Most imaging results are available within 24 hours. Urgent cases may be read sooner.

Is radiation from X-rays safe?

Yes, modern X-ray equipment uses minimal radiation. The benefits of accurate diagnosis far outweigh the minimal risks.

Services & Treatments

What services do you offer?

We offer comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, urgent care, pediatrics, women's health, cardiology, dermatology, physical therapy, laboratory services, radiology, immigration medical exams, pre-employment physicals, DOT physicals, workers' compensation care, home care services, and telemedicine.

Do you have on-site laboratory and X-ray?

Yes, we have a fully equipped on-site laboratory and digital X-ray facilities for your convenience, providing fast results.

Can you prescribe medications?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications when medically necessary. We can send prescriptions directly to your preferred pharmacy.

Do you provide referrals to specialists?

Yes, if you need specialized care, we can provide referrals to trusted specialists in our network.

Do you perform immigration medical exams?

Yes, we are authorized civil surgeons and provide USCIS-approved immigration medical examinations (Form I-693).

Telemedicine

What do I need for a telemedicine appointment?

You'll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, plus a reliable internet connection.

Can I get prescriptions through telemedicine?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications when appropriate and send prescriptions directly to your pharmacy.

Is telemedicine covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans now cover telemedicine visits. We'll verify your coverage when you schedule.

Weight Loss Management

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

Requirements vary by insurance. Some plans allow direct access to physical therapy, while others require a physician referral.

How long does physical therapy take?

Treatment duration varies based on your condition and goals. Most patients attend 2-3 sessions per week for several weeks.

Will physical therapy hurt?

While some discomfort is normal during recovery, we work within your pain tolerance and adjust treatment as needed.

Women's Health

When should I schedule my first prenatal visit?

We recommend scheduling your first prenatal visit as soon as you know you're pregnant, typically around 8 weeks.

Do you offer same-gender providers?

Yes, we have female physicians available for women's health services.

What contraceptive options do you offer?

We offer comprehensive family planning services including birth control pills, IUDs, implants, and counseling on all contraceptive methods.

Workers' Compensation

Do I need authorization from my employer?

Requirements vary by state and employer. We can help you navigate the workers' compensation process.

Will I have to pay for treatment?

Workers' compensation insurance typically covers all approved medical treatment for work-related injuries.

Can you help me return to work?

Yes, we provide return-to-work assessments and can recommend modified duty if needed during recovery.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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Call Us

718-859-7446
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Email Us

info@rasmednyc.com
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Visit Us

Valley Stream & Brooklyn

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