Surgical Associates at Virginia Hospital Center

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can you help me?

A. We may not have the answer for every patient and every problem; we can almost always find some approach that will be of significant help for most patients. We will try to give you several choices, while explaining the potential risks and benefits of each. If we are unlikely to be able to help, we will tell you. We depend on your referrals, and we want happy patients.

Q. How quickly can you see patients in your office?

A. Surgical Associates at Virginia Hospital Center can see patients very quickly, often within 24 hours of the request for an appointment.

Q. How do I schedule an appointment?

A. To schedule an appointment please call 703.717.4250, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (other than from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m., when the office is closed for lunch). You will need to provide us with the following information:
- First and last name
- Type of insurance
- Reason for visit
- Phone number
- Referring physician

Q. What do I need to do, or bring with me, to prepare for my first office visit?

A. For your initial visit you will need to bring your insurance card, photo ID, co-pay and/or physician referral if applicable. Also, if you have printed out and completed the New Patient Medical History form please bring it with you. In addition, if your referring physician has previously ordered any tests, please bring all test results and radiology films with you the day of your appointment.

Q. What insurances are accepted?

A. We accept a variety of insurances. We will gladly verify coverage for you prior to your appointment; please call us at 703.717.4250 during our business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., except from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. when the office is closed for lunch).

Q. What forms of payment are accepted?

A. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and personal checks (personal checks are subject to check authorization).

Q. What languages are spoken by your staff?

A. We have a certified, Spanish-speaking medical translator on staff. We also have a physician who speaks French and Arabic.

Q. I need to have a minor procedure. Can it be done in the office?

A. Some minor procedures can be performed in our office. A local anesthetic will be administered and sterile techniques will be used during your procedure. Minor procedures can typically be done the same day as your initial office visit.

Q. Can I have my surgery done by laparoscope?

A. Our surgeons have extensive experience in laparoscopy, also called key-hole surgery. Many surgeries can be performed this way including gallbladder removal, hernia repair, bowel surgery, etc. This allows less pain and a faster recovery. Sometimes however, laparoscopy may not be right for you. Your surgeon will discuss with you the best option for your condition.

Q. How do I contact my physician after hours?

A. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. Physicians are on call only for urgent situations; calls to the office (703.717.4250) after hours and on weekends will be answered by our after hours answering service. If you need to cancel an appointment, request a prescription refill or address any other non-urgent issue, please call during normal business hours, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Office closed from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.)

Q. Who do I contact about my bill?

A. If you have questions about your bill, contact Doctor's Choice at 301.670.4250. Please have your bill available at the time of your call. If you have made special payment arrangements with the Practice Administrator, please call the Administrator directly at 703.717.4250.