Frequently Asked Questions

+ Why use the online system? Is it secure?

a. Online consults and questions take priority.  
b. Except for weekends, we respond within 24 hours, usually sooner. 
c. When using the online system you don’t have to deal with being on hold or busy signals. 
d. You don’t have to play PHONE TAG with us.
e. You can be as verbose as you want with your questions, concerns, or comments. 
f.  You can request refills, appointments, test results, ask question, or do online consultations (non-emergencies only). 
g. Those who use the online system report much more satisfaction in communicating with our office and getting their issues addressed in a timely fashion. 
h. The online system is encrypted and endorsed by the American Medical Association and Texas Medical Association.

+ Who answers the online questions?

The online consultations are addressed directly by the doctor.  All other questions and request are handled by the nursing staff.

+ How long before I get my test result?

There is plenty of information on our website.  We recommend you read about the condition and then ask any further questions on your next visit.  If you want to get answers or clarification prior to your next visit, we recommend you use the online function.  You will have a better understanding of your condition this way.

+ How do I find out my test results?  Do I assume they are negative if I don’t hear from anyone?

No.  We always contact you either way.  Generally, if the results are negative, we will call or send you a note in the mail within 2 weeks.  If there is something wrong we will call you right away.  If you have an appointment within two weeks, the doctor will usually wait until your office visit to discuss them with you.  Lastly, if you do not hear from our office within two weeks of having your tests done, please contact us.

+ How do I find out the results of my Bone Density Test?

Unless the bone density is normal, the doctor likes to discuss the results with the patient.  This includes result interpretation, treatment options, and expectations.  We prefer not to give these results over the phone.  

+ Where do I find information about my condition?

There is plenty of information on our website.  We recommend you read about the condition and then ask any further questions on your next visit.  If you want to get answers or clarification prior to your next visit, we recommend you use the online function.  You will have a better understanding of your condition this way.

+ How do I find out about my blood test?

There is plenty of information on our website.  We recommend you read about the condition and then ask any further questions on your next visit.  If you want to get answers or clarification prior to your next visit, we recommend you use the online function.  You will have a better understanding of your condition this way.

+ How do I get refills?

a. Refills may be obtained through your pharmacy, calling us for a new prescription, or using the online refill request. 
b. No refill will be done on weekends or after office hours. 
c. ABSOLUTELY NO NARCOTIC REFILLS ON WEEKENDS OR AFTER HOURS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ANOTHER DOCTOR IS ON CALL. NO EXCEPTIONS.   Please do not contact us for after hour’s refills on narcotics because it will be denied. 
d. Narcotics are only refilled once a month.  “I lost my prescription,” “my medication was stolen,” I accidently spilled them into the toilette,” etc…, are not excuses.  The only way to obtain a narcotic refill prior to one month is to see the doctor and be assessed.

+ What happens if I have a problem after hours?

A Provider is on call 24/7.  We do ask for your consideration and that you try to contact us during office hours.  This is where the online function is especially helpful.  For emergencies please call any time.

NEXTGEN Patient Portal

What is the Online Patient Portal?
The Online Patient Portal is a secure, intuitive website that enables patients and providers to quickly access and manage health information. It provides easy communication tools, promoting patient-provider interaction and improving patient care. With the Online Patient Portal, you can:
✪ Quickly and securely access your health information
✪ Instantly request and schedule appointments
✪ Send secure messages to billing and clinical staff
✪ Easily request prescription refills
✪ Reduce wait time by filling out forms online
✪ View and pay statements
Ask a staff member how to get started today!
✪ Ask a staff member how to get started today during your visit and request an Enrollment Token. (must have an email address)
www.NextMD.com
✪ Click I Am New Here to enroll and simply follow the steps

Arthritis & Osteoporosis Clinic of Brazos Valley

Some things doctors SHOULD expect from the patient:
✪ That the patient will not hide facts about his/her illness.
✪ That the patient will try to follow the doctor’s suggestions for treatment, or will tell the doctor when this has not been done.
✪ That the patient will keep his/her appointments or will cancel as soon as possible those which cannot be kept.
✪ That the patient will treat the doctor courteously and politely.
✪ That the patient will take responsibility to ask questions about those parts of his/her illness and its treatments that he/she does not understand well.
✪ That within the limits of the patient’s ability, he/she will be responsible for knowing his/her past medical history and treatment.
✪ That the patient will not ask the doctor to act illegally or unethically.
✪ That the patient or a third party such as an insurance carrier will pay the doctor for his/her services.

Some things the doctor SHOULD NOT expect from the patient:
✪ That the patient will be grateful to the doctor for his/her care.
✪ That the doctor’s opinion will never be questioned by the patient.
✪ That the patient will automatically follow the doctor’s medical orders.
✪ That the patient will always be able to keep anger, depression or fear concerning his/her illness under control and will never displace it onto the doctor.
✪ That the patient will share the same moral customs and values as the doctor.
✪ That the patient has any obligation to continue under the doctor’s care.