Who will be my doctor while I'm in the hospital?

• You may see more than one STATCARE physician while you are in the hospital.  STATCARE physicians work together as a team to assure you receive excellent care. STATCARE physicians involved in your care will meet to discuss your case to ensure continuity of your care.  This sharing of information can be helpful in determining the best course of treatment for you.

• Our physicians work different shifts.  In the event you are admitted to the hospital again, it is not guaranteed that the same physician will be there to see you.
  

• Consultations from specialty physicians are often necessary.  The STATCARE physician coordinates your treatment and will work with other specialty care physicians as needed.  Depending on your medical condition, the STATCARE physician may call in a specialist, such as a pulmonologist, surgeon or cardiologist.  Later, as your condition improves, the specialist and STATCARE physician will work together to determine who may be best to continue oversight of your care.

• The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant works closely with your physician to care for you and discuss your health status.  When medically appropriate, you will see a Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant during your hospital stay.  The Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant works with your physician to remain involved in your care.  The physician is available to communicate any changes in your care.  
   

• Due to our physician's daily schedule in the hospital, they do not receive direct calls from patients.  If you are currently in the hospital, please notify your nurse and they can contact your physician.  If you have been discharged, please call our office at (865) 909-0090.  We will be sure to communicate your concerns with your physician.  You will receive a follow up call from one of our staff.
  

• The name of your primary care physician is obtained upon registration.  You can always confirm this is correct with your nurse during your stay.  We will work with the hospital in informing your primary care physician of your treatment and care.
  
• After discharge the hospital will send your primary care physician a summary of your course of treatment, including test results and all medications, so your primary care physician can provide follow-up care.
  

• If you do not have a primary care physician, the hospital Case Manager will help you locate one.  Upon discharge our providers will tell you when to follow up with your physician, usually 1-2 weeks after discharge.  It is very important that you keep your appointments to stay healthy.

• If your insurance requires a prior authorization, then your pharmacy can contact us at (865) 909-0090. In some cases, it can take up to 48 hours to receive a response from your insurance company regarding authorizations.  Your insurance may not authorize payment for your medication.  You may be responsible for the full cost of your medication.
  
• If your pharmacy needs more information about the physician or medication prescribed, the pharmacy can fax us at (865) 909-9883 or call by phone at (865) 909-0090.
  
• If you do not have insurance, you are responsible for the costs of the medication prescribed. We will work with the pharmacy to prescribe the most cost effective medication for your condition. 
  
• You can also contact Knoxville Area Project Access at (865) 531-2766.  KAPA is a program of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation and is sponsored by a network of physicians, hospitals and clinics to help those without insurance to obtain the healthcare services they need.   You must qualify first to receive assistance.
     

What if I need a prescription refill?

• Our physicians will only prescribe medications that are necessary to get you to your follow-up appointment with your primary care physician.  No refills will be authorized.

What do I need to do if the medication I am on is making me sick?

• If you feel that you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.  Otherwise, please call our office at (865) 909-0090.  If you have been discharged recently, let us know how your feeling, your date of birth and full name, and your pharmacy name and number.  You can also contact your primary care physician to assist with your care if you feel you need to be seen.  Your primary care physician can determine if you need to be seen immediately.

• You can request a return to work at discharge.  If you have been discharged please call (865) 909-0090.  We will need your work information including the name of the company you work for, the fax and phone number, and whose attention it needs to go to. In addition, please include your date of birth, your name, and the date you are released to return to work.

• If you are currently in the hospital please let your nurse know.  Your nurse will be able to get in touch with the appropriate staff to expedite the process.
  
• If you have been discharged from the hospital, please fax the appropriate forms to (865) 909-9883 or mail to 2240 Sutherland Ave., Suite 104 Knoxville, TN 37919.  Make sure you include your name, date of birth, and phone number.  Also, please include detailed information as to where the forms need to be returned.

• Medical records are property of the hospital.  To obtain a copy of your records, you will need to contact Medical Records at the hospital you where admitted at.  Contact the following:
  
• Fort Sanders (865) 541-1106
• Fort Sanders Select  (865) 541-2175
• Physicians Regional (St. Mary's)  (865) 545-3602
• Physicians Regional Select (St. Mary's Select) (865) 545-7384
  Parkwest (865) 373-1680