What to Expect | "Other" Information | Frequently Asked Questions
All PATHS Community Health Center locations are currently accepting new patients. If you are interested in coming to Danville or Chatham, it's important that you call our office first to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in coming to Martinsville, you have the option of either calling to schedule an appointment, or just walk in when you're ready!
Regardless of which office you go to, there is some paperwork involved. You can fill it all out when you get there, or follow the links below to print out out the forms so that you can fill them out ahead of time so that we can provide you with the smoothest visit possible:
- All patients are required to complete a "New Patient Registration" form here.
- So we can provide the highest quality of care possible, we will need to have your past medical records sent to us. Please complete a "Medical Records Release Form" for each medical provider you have seen in the last 12 months. This would include other doctor's offices, hospitals, and emergency rooms. Click here for the form. Please print and complete a separate form for each provider you've seen in the last 12 months. Please wait to sign on the signature line, until you are at one of the PATHS offices in order to have a witness.
- For patients with insurance: PATHS Community Medical Centers accept all forms of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Some insurances (especially Medicaid) require you as the patient to call and have our provider listed as your "Primary Care Provider", or "PCP". Please take time to make sure this is addressed. Otherwise, you may have to pay for your services up front and then seek reimbursement from your insurance carrier later.
- OPTIONAL: PATHS Community Medical Center is proud to offer significant discounts that are based on household income to those who are experiencing financial difficulties. If you would like to apply for these discounts, please complete a "Sliding Fee Scale" application form. Click here for the form.
Once you've completed all the necessary paperwork, an appointment will be scheduled for you. Every effort will be made to schedule that appointment for the same day, but this may not always be possible -- you can rest assured, though: we will get you in as soon as possible.
What to expect on your first visit and all future visits:
- Please arrive for all your appointments at least 15 minutes early.
- If you have a concern in addition to the reason for your scheduled visit, please let our staff know when you arrive. We will always try to accommodate these requests, but in some cases we will have to ask you to make another appointment to avoid inconveniencing other patients.
- If you have any forms that you will need our providers to complete, such as disability application forms or school physicals, please let us know when you schedule your visit and again when you check-in.
- If you need to reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice whenever possible so we can offer the time to other patients.
- PATHS Community Medical Centers are commited to providing the most comprehensive, high-quality primary care possible. Our providers do not write long-term prescriptions for narcotic medications, and will not write any on your first visit. These medications are highly addictive and should be handled by a provider that specializes in treating your conditions.
Can you fax statements or records to me?
Only if they are going to fax machine in your home. All medical information is strictly confidential and must be handled with extreme care to avoid the potential of unauthorized disclosure.
What if I miss my appointment?
Please contact our office as soon as you know you will not be able to make a scheduled appointment, but give at least 24 hours notice so we may offer that time to another patient. Although we understand that emergencies arise, we reserve the right to not allow you to schedule future appointments, which would leave you with no option other than to walk in and wait for extended periods of time until we can fit you in.
How do I know if you participate with my insurance?
PATHS Community Medical Centers accept all forms of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Some insurances (especially Medicaid) require you as the patient to call and have our provider listed as your "Primary Care Provider", or "PCP". It's up to you to make sure this is addressed.
Where do I seek treatment when the practice is not open?
In cases of emergency or life-threatening illness, go to the nearest emergency room. For general illness, you may call our office -- our phones are answered by a live person 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 52-weeks a year.