• What’s a Nurse Practitioner?
  • What services do Nurse Practitioners provide?
  • Can I reach my provider after hours?
  • What are the office hours?
  • Do you participate with my insurance?
  • How do I request a copy of my medical records?
  • Can I get access to my family member's records?
  • What are the response times for patient requests?
  • What are your privacy practices?



Q.What's a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse (RN) who has completed advanced education and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses.  Nurse Practitioners see patients of all ages and can serve as your health provider.


Q.What services do Nurse Practitioners provide?

Nurse Practitioners give personal attention to patients.  To provide complete health care, our Nurse practitioners:
  • Counsel and educate patients on health behaviors, self-care skills and treatment options
  • Diagnose and treat acute illnesses, infections and injuries
  • Diagnose, treat and monitor chronic illnesses (i.e. - diabetes, high blood pressure)
  • Order and interpret diagnostic studies (i.e. - lab tests, x-rays, EKG's)
  • Prescribe medications
  • Provide health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals


Q.Can I reach my provider after hours?

Yes.  If you find it necessary to reach your doctor for an urgent medical problem that cannot wait until regular office hours, you can reach our answering service by calling 703/799-4000. In the event of a life threatening emergency, either known or feared, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.


Q.What are the office hours?

Monday - Friday        8:00am - 5:00pm
NO WEEKENDS HOURS CURRENTLY


Q.Do you participate with my insurance?

We accept Medicare assignment and participate with Aetna, MDIPA, MAMSI, Optimum Choice, United Healthcare, Alliance PPO, American Medical Security, Oxford Health Plan, Medical Mutual of Ohio, GWUHP,Cigna, Anthem Healthkeepers, CareFirst, One Health Plan, Great West, Beechstreet, NCPPO, Humana and many other commercial plans, HMOs and PPOs.  However, we do not participate with Medicaid, Unicare HMO or Kaiser

If you are still unsure, we recommend that you call the phone number on the back of your insurance card.  Your insurance company can answer any questions you may have regarding participating providers and covered services under your specific healthcare plan.


Q.How do I request a copy of my medical records?

In order for us to release any medical information we must ask you to complete our "Authorization for Release of Medical Information" form.  This form must be signed by the patient, guardian or personal representative of the patient's estate.  You can download and print a copy of this form on our Patient Forms page.  The cost for this service, if any, is listed on the form.  Our medical records department will be happy to answer any questions you may have.


Q.Can I get access to my family member's records?

If a patient wishes to allow another party access to their medical record to another party, they must first complete our HIPAA Release form.  This form will allow a patient to permit a family member, friend, or other person(s) to pick up prescriptions, referrals, discuss medical information and/or have access to their medical record.  If you wish to have access to a patient's medical record, the patient must also complete our "Authorization for release of medical information" form.  Our receptionists, medical records clerk or manager can answer any questions you may have with these form or our policies.  The form links will take you to the form you need.  If you have any problems, you can also access these forms on our Patient Forms page.


Q.What are the response times for patient requests?

LAB RESULTS:  10-14 days by mail.  If the provider has indicated you need a follow-up appointment to discuss test results, please call 703/799-4000 to make an appointment.

REFERRALS: 1-3 days for patient pick-up or 1 week for mail; Emergency referrals will be handled as indicated.  If it is not an emergency and you are requesting a referral for an appointment which is less than 3 days away, you may be asked to reschedule your specialist's appointment.  Please call (703) 799-4000 to speak to the referral specialist  about your referral.

PRESCRIPTION REFILLS:  2-3 days for patient pick-up, call/fax to pharmacy or 1 week by mail.  If you have not seen your provider in more than 6 months for this condition or if lab work is needed, you may be asked to have an appointment prior to obtaining the refill.

FORMS:  3 days for patient pick-up or 1 week for mail.  Complex forms could require more time.  You may be asked to make an appointment in conjunction with completing a form.

ORDER NEEDED FOR LAB WORK, TEST OR IMMUNIZATION:  1-2 days; Significant abnormal results requiring quick follow-up will be called to you as medically indicated.  If you have not received a response within the times indicated or you need a report sent to another provider by a specific time, please call us at (703) 799-4000, we'll be happy to assist you.  You may require an appointment.


Q.What are your privacy practices?

You can read our privacy practices http://www.mvpca.net/Pt_Privacy.html.


If you have a question not listed here, please feel free to call our office at (703) 799-4000 for assistance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Mt. Vernon Primary Care Associates, PLLC
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite # 415 (FORMERLY #417)
Alexandria, VA 22306
Office (703) 799-4000
Fax (703 799-4569 or (703) 302-1019
WEBSITE: http://www.mvpca.net/FAQ.html
LAST UPDATED:  2/8/07