What is Family Medicine?

Family Medicine is a medical specialty that combines modern training with age-old traditions of caring. The Family Medicine doctor focuses on the total person, providing complete primary care services to the entire family.

An expert in the treatment of common medical conditions, the Family Medicine doctor also focuses on the prevention and early detection of major illnesses. A Family Medicine doctor recognizes the link between illness and emotions and can help families deal with the physical and psychological impact of illness.

What services does Family Medicine offer?

• Well and sick child care
• Women’s health care – gynecological, prenatal, labor and delivery, post-partum care, and colposcopy
• Well adult care for men and women
• Chronic illness care
• Health education
• Counseling services
• Family planning
• Disease screening
• Senior health services for persons 65 years of age and older

Who is on the staff of the Family Medicine staff?

The Family Medicine medical staff consists of board-certified Family Medicine doctors and also Family Medicine residents. Nurses, nurse practitioners, medical team assistants, medical students, patient service representatives, social workers, nutritionists, and an administrative staff are also important members of our health care team.

May I choose my own doctor?

You may choose a Family Medicine doctor or one will be assigned to treat you and your family. To better serve our diverse community, we have doctors and staff members who speak Spanish and hospital staff fluent in many different languages available to assist in translation.

You will be seen by your Family Medicine doctor during your regularly scheduled visits. If you or a family member should require same-day care, you may be seen by another Family Medicine doctor. Follow-up appointments, however, will be scheduled with your doctor. Following each visit, your doctor will contact you by letter or telephone to inform you about any test results.

What are Family Medicine hours?

Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Our nursing staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer health-related questions. Please leave a detailed message and a nurse will return your call within 24 hours.

How do I schedule my first Family Medicine appointment?

If you wish to become a Family Medicine patient, contact the Family Medicine scheduling line at 216-778-5731, from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to have your health insurance information available when you call. Our patient service representative will take your insurance information and will schedule your appointment.

If you do not have health insurance, you will be given an appointment with a MetroHealth financial counselor. After you meet with the financial counselor, you may call to schedule your initial medical appointment. A routine appointment may be scheduled two weeks in advance.

What if I have to cancel an appointment?

It is very important that you keep your regularly scheduled appointment. However, if for some reason you are unable to keep your appointment, please call 216-778-5371. If you're calling outside of office hours you may leave a message to cancel your appointment. When possible, we would appreciate 24 hours notice prior to your appointment.

What do I do about a medical emergency?

If you or a family member becomes ill during regular business hours, please call 216-778-5731. Depending on the severity of the health concern, you may be given a same-day appointment.  If you or a family member becomes ill when the center is closed, please call the MetroHealth Line at 216-778-7878. A nurse is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions, offer advice, or if necessary, contact a physician. If you are instructed to go to the Emergency Department, please tell the patient service representative in the Emergency Department that you are a Family Medicine patient.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, please go directly to the Emergency Department or call 911.

How do I get medication refills?

If you need medication refills, please bring your medication bottles to your appointment and let your doctor know which refills are needed. If your prescription runs out between appointments, you may request a refill by calling 216-778-5731 during normal Family Medicine hours. Please allow two business days to process your request.

Who will complete my insurance forms or write letters I might need?

Your doctor will complete medically related forms and write letters on your behalf upon request. Please allow 7 to 10 days for your request to be processed.

How does Family Medicine receive payment for my treatment?

Family Medicine accepts all major insurance plans. Review your insurance card before your appointment to see if there are any special instructions that need to be followed. Many insurance plans ask patients to make sure visits to the Emergency Department or hospital admissions are approved in order for the insurance companies to pay for the care. If you do not have insurance, a sliding fee scale is available. For more information on qualifying for financial assistance, please call the Central Business Office at MetroHealth Medical Center at 216-778-5585.

Where is Family Medicine located?