Frequently Asked Questions

For questions regarding medications, google search by typing www. “medication name” . com. If you are experiencing any side effects to a medication that we have prescribed please contact our office immediately and ask to speak with our phone nurse.

We’re glad you asked.  There are two kinds of physicians to be licensed for the unlimited practice of medicine: MDs and DOs - doctor of osteopathic medicine - degree.

Osteopathic physicians perform surgery and prescribe medicine in hospitals and clinics across the nation. All specialties are represented from pediatrics to neurosurgeons and cardiovascular surgeons. Whether they’re internists or specialists, DOs and MDs use the same tools to practice medicine. The difference is the philosophy of education.

Their training is similar to the training of MDs with additional attention given to osteopathic manipulation, similar to chiropractic manipulation. Some osteopathic physicians practice manipulation of the spine, although our physicians do not.

They believe in the relationship to life’s stresses and their impact on disease. They help their patients develop attitudes and to prevent illness and improve health outcomes.

Yes, our physicians provide cardiac care at Bronson Methodist Hospital and Borgess Medical Center.   We do ask that you clarify which facility you prefer since some insurances mandate the use of a specific hospital.  Our physicians also may be asked to consult on patients at Allegan General Hospital and Lakeview Hospital.   

Your lab work will state fasting if this is necessary.  We do ask that you fast for 12 hours before fasting lab work is completed.

We ask all patients to contact their insurance to verify coverage before they arrive for office appointments or testing.  Please check with your primary care provider to see if a referral is necessary before each visit.

We understand that you have a specific cardiologist in our practice but in order to speed up the process of prescription turn around time we may ask another cardiologist/mid-level to sign your prescriptions.

At this time we are not accepting payment online.  We are looking into this endeavor and may have this capability in the future.  Please call our billing office with any questions you may have.

We at Advanced Cardiac Healthcare have Mid-level providers which are Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners who assist our physicians in your cardiac care whether it be in the hospital setting or office setting.  They work in conjuntion with your Cardiologist in the diagnosis, treatment and management of your care.   

No, for your convenience you may go to the laboratory of your choice.  Remember that some insurance policies require the use of specific laboratory sites.  You may need to check with your insurance to see which laboratories are covered. We do ask that you remember to take your laboratory order with you.  If you have misplaced your lab order, please call our office before arrival to the lab so that we may fax the order in a timely manner.     

We understand that many of our patients winter in another state.  We do ask that you contact our office with a winter address and phone number in the event that we may need to reach you.