Show Navigation
Salem Family Medicine
Home / Patient Tools / FAQs

FAQs

Providing helpful information to first-time visitors and current patients of our practice.

What types of health insurance plans do you accept?

For your convenience, we file most types of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

For a complete list of insurance companies and accepted plans, visit our billing & insurance page.

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

Insurance card, payment and a list of current prescriptions, as well as over-the-counter medications, any films and reports of X-rays, MRIs or CT scans that you had recently, if necessary.

What are some examples of emergency medical situations?

An emergency generally involves an illness that is currently or potentially life threatening. Although this is not a complete list, here are examples of true emergency situations: chest pain, stroke symptoms, trouble breathing, sudden, severe pain, such as a headache or stomachache, head or back injuries, bleeding or vomiting that won't stop, loss of consciousness, poisoning, major burns and cuts, choking, an obviously crooked extremity after a fall or accident. Individuals experiencing any of these conditions should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

What are advance directives?

Novant Health Medical Group practices support a patient's rights to make decisions about their medical care and treatment, especially in situations where they cannot make their wishes known. We have information available about advance directives, living wills and durable power of attorney. Ask our receptionist for copies of these important documents.

As family physicians, can you serve as primary care providers for children as well as adults?

Yes, our family physicians are qualified to care for all patients, regardless of age, sex, organ system or type of problem, be it biological, behavioral or social.

What types of services do you provide?

We are proud to be a primary care provider of medical services for you and your entire family. Services include, but are not limited to: Newborn and child care, including immunizations, geriatric care, women's care, including gynecological exams and contraception, dermatological care, minor fracture and minor surgical care.

On which holidays is your office closed?

Our office is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Will my primary care physician care for me if I am in the hospital?

Our providers work with the Inpatient Physicians of Forsyth (IPOF), a team of very qualified hospital specialists at Forsyth Medical Center. IPOF is a multi-specialty team of physicians who admits and cares for our patients during their hospital stay. Our providers are in communication with the inpatient physicians regarding treatment plans and questions regarding care and discharge. We have complete trust and confidence in the expertise and ability of these physicians to dispense responsive, quality care to our patients throughout their hospital visit.

Why is having a primary care physician so important?

Choosing a primary care doctor is a great way to maintain exceptional health throughout the course of your life. In addition to treating acute illnesses, your primary care physician can partner with you to meet your long-term health goals and needs. Over time, this relationship can translate into continued health and enhanced quality of life.

In order to see a specialist, do I need a referral from my primary care physician?

To determine whether you need a referral from us before seeing a medical specialist, view the terms of your insurance plan. Often, this information is listed on the insurance card or can be obtained by calling the insurance company. Our medical providers can refer you to a specialist if your health situation requires it or if your health insurance company requires a referral prior to visiting a specialist.

How long does it take to obtain an appointment?

Calling our office at the first sign of illness helps to ensure that you receive an appointment time sooner rather than later. Normally, we are able to schedule same-day appointments for those requiring urgent care.

What phone number can I call if I have a billing question?

Billing questions can be directed to our billing representatives at 336-718-4820, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

How do I have my medical records sent to another practice?

To release records to a specialist or another practice, we need your written permission. We have forms in the office available for that purpose. The process of transferring records requires approximately two weeks for completion.

Location

Hours

Monday to Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.