Physical Examinations

What To Expect:
I will ask you several health questions, examine you, and review current recommendations for cancer screening, cardiovascular health, vaccinations, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle advice. We will review my findings on your examination and any tests that were perfomed. Please ask me any questions you have about how to promote and maintain your health.

Preparation:
Not all insurance plans will pay for a Physical Examination. You may call your insurance company and ask if they cover new patient physicals (CPT codes 99385-99387) or established patient physicals (99395-99397). If your insurance plan does not cover physicals, you may call my office for an estimated charge. No insurance plan covers physicals required for work or school. Call my office for the current charge for work or school physicals. The charges may vary dependent on your age, health status, any additional tests that may be required, and the length of time required to complete the examination. You may  fax me a copy of the form for a more accurate estimate. BUT WHAT IF MY INSURANCE DOESN'T COVER A "PHYSICAL"? Don't worry! You may notice that I often review these preventive health issues or do a little "extra" examination as time permits during your other visits, to keep your preventive health up to date too.

Aftercare:
My assistant will schedule you for any testing, consultation or follow up visit we decide on.

What To Expect:
At this first visit, we'll get to know each other. We'll review your current health concerns and medical history. I will examine you, explaining how what I see, hear and feel helps me evaluate your health status. I may recommend additional tests, medications and other treatments, self-care advice, or specialist consultation. You will have time to ask any questions you may have. Together, we'll create a health care plan for you. Please plan for approximately 30 minutes for this part of the visit.

Preparation:
Most first visits last about an hour. Please bring your health insurance card, a photo i.d. and any health records you may have. A brief list of your health concerns and your medications is very helpful. You will complete our office registration forms. My medical assistant will check your vital signs and review your health concerns. This part may take 15-30 minutes, depending on your health status.

Aftercare:
Any testing, consultation or follow up visit will be scheduled for you. Please make sure that we have explained your treatment plan to your satisfaction before you leave the office.

After Hours

When my office is not open, you may reach me or a physician covering for me by calling the Physicians' Exchange at 524-2575. Please call only for urgent medical conditions that cannot wait until the office reopens. I should generally be able to return your call within 20 minutes. Please do not call after hours for emergencies, prescription refills, test results or non-urgent advice. For your safety, I can give only limited medical advice or treatment over the phone. I can help you decide when immediate treatment or evaluation in an emergency department is advisable. I do not return calls to phones that require caller ID. If you have caller ID, please unblock your line prior to paging me. I may not be able to return your call if you are calling long distance. In general, if you become ill while out of town you should consult a doctor there. For medical emergencies, please do not delay your care by paging me. Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

New Patients

I am able to accept new patients on a space available basis. Please call my office to check on the availability of new patient appointments.

Influenza Vaccination

Influenza vaccinations are now available. Please call our office to schedule a flu shot. An appointment with me is not necessary. October is the best month to get a flu shot. For further influenza vaccination information, please visit www.cdc.gov. You must be an established patient to obtain a flu shot from me. As of October 22, 2009 we are still waiting to receive H1N1 vaccination from the state of Hawaii.

Prescription Refills

Please request refills by calling 487-2277, selection 2. The recorded message will prompt you to leave your name, the name and dosage of the medication(s) needed, your pharmacy, and a call-back phone number. Each request must be reviewed and approved by me, sent electronically, faxed or called in to your pharmacy, and finally filled by your pharmacist. Please allow 24 hours for prescription refills. For your safety, please try to request refills during your appointment with me, and call for refills at least a few days before you run out of medication. Please do not call after hours for medication refills.

Other Physicians

When I am not available, Dr. Russell Tom or Dr. David Saito will provide urgent medical care for you. My office or answering service will contact the covering doctor for you. Please see Office Hours.

If you are injured at work or in a car accident...

Please call my office for a referral list of physicians who care for workmen's compensation and no-fault injuries. In my experience, claims for work and motor vehicle related injuries are best cared for by specialists in orthopedic care, urgent care and occupational health.

Specialties

Internal Medicine

Office Hours

My office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon on most Saturdays. The phones are on hold from 12:00-1:00 p.m. I see patients by appointment only, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. I do not have clinic hours on Tuesday afternoon. I have clinic hours approximately every other Saturday. The office is closed for state and federal holidays.