Biltmore Medical Associates

We are committed to providing you with the best possible medical care. Our office is staffed with professionals who specialize in treating adults of all ages. All of our physicians are board certified in Internal Medicine. Our goal is to provide quality healthcare in a caring environment. The National Committee for Quality Assurance has recognized our practice as a Level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home. We are also recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Level 3, Blue Cross Quality Provider. What is the difference between a "physical" and a "wellness visit" for Medicare or Medicare Advantage patients? There has been much confusion surrounding what Medicare considers a "physical". Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will pay for something called a "wellness visit". This is an important visit and you should take advantage of the fact that it is a covered benefit if you are a Medicare or Medicare Advantage member. This visit is not a physical examination. It does not have to be performed by a physician. It is more of a "talking" appointment. We update your health history and your family history. We make sure we have a current list of any other doctors that you are seeing. We do a brief assessment of your memory and screen for depression. We make sure we have an accurate list of your medications, vitamins and supplements. We ask questions about the safety of your home such as do you have working smoke detectors, have loose rugs on the floor etc. We also discuss any age appropriate screenings that you may be due for. A "physical" is a complete physical examination. The doctor examines you from head to toe. We actually incorporate much of the content listed above but unfortunately, Medicare does not cover a physical exam. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover a physical exam. You should consult your own plan to determine if a physical exam is covered. Our physicians feel like it is important for everyone to have a routine physical exam on a regular basis. What is the difference between an office call and a routine physical exam? An office call is a visit that is for a specific problem. For example you might have an office call to follow up on your blood pressure or to review lab work. A routine physical exam is a head to toe examination. It is also a time for you and your physician to discuss any concerns that you may be having regarding your health. How often do I need a routine physical exam? Our physicians feel like routine physical exams are very important for persons of every age. How often depends on your age and your health. Some folks have a routine physical exam every year while others get a physical every two or three years. How often you get a physical should be decided on by you and your physician. This is the time that you can discuss with your physician all aspects of wellness including health goals, routine screenings that may be due in addition to any concerns you may have. During this visit, you will also be examined from "head to toe". What if I get sick after hours or on the weekend? We have a physician on call after normal business hours or on the weekends. You simply call the office phone number, 828-258-1188 and follow the prompts to be connected to the "on call physician". When is it appropriate to go to the Emergency Department? The emergency department of the hospital is what the name says. It is where you go when you are experiencing an emergency. An emergency is when you have trouble breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, uncontrollable pain, chest pain, symptoms of a heart attack or symptoms of a stroke etc. You should not go to the emergency department because you have a cold, sore throat, upset stomach etc. We have a physician on call that can help you with non-emergency situations when the office is closed. If you are in doubt about whether or not you should go to the emergency department, call our office, 828-258-1188 and the "on call physician" can help you determine if a trip to the emergency department is appropriate. If I go to the hospital, will my physician see me there? Our physicians do not see patients in the hospital. The hospital has physicians that will see you while you are in the hospital. They are specialists in hospitalized patients.