Q: What do I have to do if I
want someone else to bring my child in for an appointment?
We need a
notarized statement
(.pdf / 400.45kb) from the parent with the persons name who can
bring the child, the specific date of the visit and what the visit
is for.
Q: I am on a fixed income and
pumping out my septic system is very expensive. Why is it so
important for me to have my septic system pumped out?
Most people
moved to Charlotte County because of the pristine environments
and the beautiful water ways and beach areas. Keeping those
areas beautiful is everyone’s duty. As far as prevention of
contamination from sewage, a central sewer system is the most
effective way to protect the environment. Properly maintained
septic tanks can be a short-term
solution, however like any other device, they must be properly
maintained.
Routine pumping is vital to the
long-term health of your septic system. If the system is not
well maintained, it will fail prematurely leading to an
expensive repair or replacement. To repair or replace a septic
tank can cost $5000 to $12,000. Septic systems are designed to
hold only so much solid waste before they must be pumped out.
When the solids accumulate beyond that point the system is
unable to adequately process the waste material. The solids can
leach into the drain field, clogging up the system and
ultimately leading to your septic system failing.
Routine pumping (every 3 to 5 years) of your septic system will
help assure that it functions properly for many years to come
Q: How much is an office
visit?
An office visit cost is
based on many things. Before an appointment is made to see a doctor
or Nurse Practitioner, you should make and appointment for a
financial screen. This screen will help determine the share of
cost you will be responsible for during your visit. Depending on
income and proof of this income that you bring to this appointment
your cost may be anywhere from 0% 100% of the visit, labs or tests
ordered. We do accept Medicare, Medicaid and are in the process of
applying for KidCare, and private insurances.
Q: Why can’t I book ahead
for an appointment?
We have found in the past
that appointments booked in advance of one or two days are only kept
50% of the time. With our current practice of "open access",
allowing clients to call today for an appointment for today or
tomorrow, 90% of our clients show up for their appointments.
This allows for access to more clients that need services.
Q: How much longer is the
wait going to be?
We try to stay on time, but
like any other practice we do have to spend long than anticipated
with some clients. Be certain that when your turn comes, you
will get the time and attention you need as well.
Q: Why did that client go
in before me and they came in after me?
Not every appointment is for
the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. There are many programs that
are going on during the course of the day, including a nurse clinic
that deals with it's own scheduled clients.
Q: I thought the Health
Department was free?
The health department is
supported by state and local funding. It does not cover the
entire cost of the health care delivered. We offer state
mandated services as well as other services that are not state
mandated. That is why a financial screen is so important to
have done before you have your visit with the Doctor, Nurse
Practitioner or specialty clinic. This screen determines the
cost you will pay for your care based on the Federal Poverty
Guidelines. There are some components of the Health Department
that are available at no cost. This would include
immunizations for children up to age 19, birth control methods to
include condoms, birth control pills, birth control shots, IUD's and
other methods of birth control. You would, however, be
responsible for the physical exam that is necessary for birth
control methods.
Q: Do I need a parent to
get on birth control?
No you do not. Each of
the county health department clinics provide confidential family
planning.
