Practice Info

Family Medicine:

Family Medicine is the medical specialty that delivers comprehensive healthcare to every member of the family, regardless of age or illness. The family physician is responsible for the total healthcare of the patient, emphasizing the patient as a whole person rather than as separate organ systems. Three years of residency training in the specialty of Family Practice prepares the family physician for this unique role in healthcare. Following that, the family physician is eligible to take a certification exam by the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Cook is a Diplomat in the American Board of Family Practice.

Osteopathic Medicine:

Osteopathic medicine, developed in 1874, emphasizes primary care focusing on the 'whole person' approach to medicine as well as advocating preventive healthcare. Extra training in the musculoskeletal system provides the osteopathic physician a better understanding of ways an injury or illness in one part of the body affects another. A Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) completes four years of basic medical education, the same as an M.D. Both M.D.'s and D.O.'s must pass comparable national licensing examinations.

Degree of Fellow:

The Degree of Fellow recognizes AAFP members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues, as well as in their communities, by their service to Family Medicine, by their advancement of health care to the American people and by their professional development through medical education and research. Fellows of the AAFP are recognized as Champions of Family Medicine. They are the physicians who make family medicine the premier specialty in service to their community and profession. From a personal perspective, being a Fellow signifies not only 'tenure' but one's additional work in your community, within organized medicine, within teaching, and a greater commitment to continuing professional development and/or research.

Practice Policies

Office Hours:

Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon).If you feel you have an emergency before or after office hours, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Dr. Cook is on staff at both Athens Regional Medical Center and St. Mary's Hospital.

Appointment Policy:

Walk ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred, so please call in advance to schedule a time for your visit. If you must cancel or change your appointment, we ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance. If this is not possible, please call as soon as you can so your time can be given to another patient. If you think you might be late for your appointment, please call to let us know. If you are more than twenty minutes late, and have not called, you may be asked to reschedule. We realize that your time is valuable and we will do our best to stay on schedule. At times, the physician may be required to attend to an emergency during the time of your scheduled visit. You will be informed of any delays, and we would appreciate your understanding should this situation arise.

Prescription Refills:

Please call for refills on your medications at least one week prior to running out. This will allow time for the physician to review your records and for staff to acquire a prior authorization if needed. Antibiotics will not be called in without being seen by the physician. Narcotics will not be refilled, nor will they be prescribed without being seen by the doctor. No prescriptions will be refilled after 4 p.m. Monday - Thursday, or after noon on Friday. We suggest you check your medications prior to any vacations, holidays, and weekends to assure an ample supply during these times.

Please bring all prescription bottles with you to each visit. This gives the doctor a chance to review doses and instructions for use with you. This is especially important if you are under the care of more than one physician.

Hospital Admissions:

Dr. Cook holds privileges at both Athens Regional Medical Center and St. Mary 's Hospital. Should your insurance require you to be admitted to another hospital, arrangements will be made within that network.

Confidentiality:

Your personal and medical information is strictly confidential. No information regarding your condition or medical treatment will be given to anyone without your written or verbal permission. This includes spouses, friends, relatives, or employers, except when required by law.

If there are ever any changes in your address, phone number, employment, or marital status, it is important that we be notified.

Insurance

Fees and Insurance:

Your insurance coverage is an agreement between you and your insurance company. You, as the insured, are ultimately responsible for all charges. We will file your insurance for you, provided we have the appropriate information and can confirm coverage. It 's very important that our records be kept up to date. If any of your information changes, please notify this office as soon as possible to avoid delays in payment of claims. Incomplete or incorrect information may result in the patient receiving a bill for the full amount of charges.

It is your responsibility to pay your deductible, co-payments, and any balance not covered by insurance. All payments are expected and due at the time of service.

We accept most insurances except Medicaid.