Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are listed in the frequency by which they are asked
1. Why can't I Check-In and do my medical history paperwork at your office?
A. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic our office is now paperless as well as pen-less. Therefore:
- Check-In is done on your phone
- You will receive a "Check-In-Link" via text
- Please complete it as soon as you get it
- If not activated by 5 p.m. the next day
- Your visit will be cancelled
- To reschedule call 305-392-0449
2. I have been calling your office and I keep getting your voicemail, why is that?
A. Three reasons:
- Our entire staff is comprised of 3 people and that includes Dr. Coker
- Due to the coronavirus pandemic our call load has tripled
- Our office only has 3 phone lines
This is why we created our FAQ section; however, if you need further assistance leave us a message.
3. Do you offer Covid-19 testing?
A. Please click on "Covid-19 Information" on our front page.
4. I got a swab Covid-19 test and I am waiting for the results. Can I make an appointment?
A. No. You must have a negative result first.
5. I was diagnosed with Covid-19, can I make an appointment?
A. No. You must quarantine yourself for 10 days first and then have 2 negative swab tests.
6. I am a new patient . Can I email you my current medical records before my initial visit?
A. No. Have your records ready and email them to us during your first visit. As per our attorneys we cannot have access to your private medical records until after you become an established patient.
7. I've been knocking on your door since 8:45 a.m. is someone in there?
A. Our office hours are 9 to 5, our doors open exactly at 9 a.m.
8. I've been knocking on your door since 1:45 p.m. is someone in there?
A. We are closed for lunch between 1 and 2, our doors reopen exactly at 2 p.m.
9. I got a bill and it should have been paid by my insurance because it was my Free yearly physical.
A. We literally get a call like this a few times a month. Here is the answer:
- 366 days have to pass between physicals
- If it is less most insurances will not cover the visit
- If your insurance tells you otherwise
- Get the name of the agent and a reference number
- You will need that in case they bill you anyway
- If they do they will use our information
- But in reality it is them refusing to pay for the visit
10. I got a bill for the follow up visit to my physical that should have been covered by my insurance.
A. This is the second most asked question we get. Here is the answer:
- The day of your physical is covered by your insurance
- All other visits are not
- Which means your co-payment and deductible do apply
- These include blood draws, lab results, injections, and follow up care
- The bill you got is actually from your insurance
- They use our address and information to bill you
- The amount is your deductible
- If you do not agree with this amount
- Call your insurance
11. I came in for my Free yearly physical and it got billed as a consultation. Can you resubmit it?
A. If in the middle of a physical you start discussing any symptoms. It stops being a physical and it turns into a consultation. And no, it cannot be resubmitted as a physical, that would be fraud.
12. Can I have a physical and a consultation at the same time?
A. No.
13. Why are patients required to have voicemail, text, and email?
A. Being able to reach patients is extremely important, especially when it involves time sensitive lab results. Not having all 3 will disqualify you from becoming our patient.
14. Are patients really terminated if their voicemail is full or disconnected 3 separate times?
A. Yes.
15. How long has Dr. Coker been in practice ?
A. Since June 2000. She opened her Brickell office on 12-12-12 and moved to Coconut Grove in 2020.
16. Does Dr. Coker's make all final decisions?
A. Dr. Coker makes all final decisions regarding medical and patient care. All other matters, including adhering to office policies, billing, and discharging patients due to non compliance are made by our Senior Partner Marc Marchello.
17. Does Dr. Coker speak Spanish?
A. No.
18. Does anyone in your office speak Spanish?
A. No.
19. If I happen to need a specialist, can your office recommend one?
A. We have done so in the past but as of 2020 we have opted not to for the following reasons:
- Specialists were not "In Network" causing patients to get substantial bills after the fact
- Conflicting personalities between patient and specialist
- Billing disputes with insurances as to why their clients went to a particular doctor
20. How can I find a good specialist?
A. We recommend you take the following steps:
- Contact your insurance for a list of "In Network" specialists
- Chose more than one
- Waiting time to see them can sometimes take weeks
- Call their office to double check if they are still "In Network"
- Make sure their style of medicine matches your expectations
- Read reviews from patients who actually saw them
- A good website for that is ZocDoc.com but there are others
21. I made an appointment online and it was cancelled. Why did this happen?
A. There are many reasons why this would happen, we will list some of them here.
- All appointments require a verbal confirmation - We were unable to reach you
- Your voicemail was full or not activated
- You are a new patient and did not complete our "Two Minute Registration"
- Your insurance is inactive or has assigned you to a different doctor
- You are an existing patient and your insurance has changed or is inactive
- You were terminated or not accepted as a patient in the past
22. I am a new patient. What is your Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy?
A. Two full days minimum.
Cancelling or rescheduling one day before your visit will prevent you from becoming our patient. No Exceptions.
23. I am an existing patient. What is your Cancellation and Reschedule Policy?
A. Two full days minimum.
- After 3 times patient is terminated
- This policy is cumulative and does not reset at the end of each year
24. Are all scheduled visits really cancelled after 10 minutes?
A. Yes.
25. Where do I go to get my blood drawn?
A. You have 2 options.
Option 1: Go to either LabCorp or Quest depending on your insurance.
No co-payment or deductible apply.
Click below for locations.
Option 2: You can have it done in our office. However, your co-payment and deductible will apply.
26. Can I schedule a fasting blood work up in the afternoon?
A. No. They must be done before 10:30 a.m.
27. How do I get my lab results?
A. Follow these steps:
- Download the "MyQuest for Patients"
- The lab will post your results as soon as they become available.
- If your results appear in any color other than red they are within normal limits.
- If they are in RED call 305-392-0449 to schedule a follow up visit.
- Please Note: Abnormal test results cannot be discussed over the phone.
28. Do I have to pay for my appointment to go over my results?
A. Yes. Your co-payment and deductible apply to all visits other than your yearly physical.
29. Can I refuse a follow up appointment to discuss abnormal test results?
A. If your results are abnormal we will do our due diligence to contact you. If you refuse a follow-up appointment or if we do not hear back from you within 30 days, you will receive a certified letter terminating our Doctor/Patient relationship.
30. Does your practice do "Executive Physicals"?
A. No
31. What is the age group of patients Dr. Coker sees?
A. From 10 to 65 years old. For patients who are younger than 10 please look for a Pediatrician.
Patients over 65 should find a Geriatric Physician, Dr. Coker is not Medicare certified.
Please Note: We are not recommending the physicians below, they just happen to be the nearest ones.
Nearest Pediatrician:
Gilma Marimon, MD
3661 S Miami Ave Suite 503
Miami FL, 33133
786-600-4733
Nearest Geriatric Physician:
Raul Tano, MD
8299 S Dixie Highway
Miami FL, 33143
305-285-5060
32. Can Dr. Coker recommend a center where patients can get their ultrasound, MRI, and other tests done?
A. No. Dr. Coker provides patients with an order form, each patient must then contact their insurance and find a center that their insurance will cover and pay for.
33. Does Dr. Coker have reviews by patients who actually saw her?
A.Yes, hundreds of them, just go to www.ZocDoc.com and enter her full name Alicia Coker MD.
34. Can I make a first time appointment for someone else?
A. If the patient is under 18 years of age a parent or guardian can make an initial appointment, otherwise no.
35. My child just turned 18, do I still have access to his/her medical records?
A. No. Under the law your child is now an adult. If he/she is already our patient we will need their direct phone number and direct email.
36. Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?
A. No
37. Do you accept Medicare supplemental plans?
A. No
38. Do you accept self-pay patients without insurance?
A. No.
39. Do you prescribe or refill ADD/ADHD medication?
A. No.
40. Do you prescribe or refill chronic pain medication?
A. No.
41. I am an existing patient, can your office prescribe new medications over the phone?
A. No. This includes medications for colds, flu like symptoms, UTIs, allergies, etc.
42. Can your office prescribe existing medications over the phone?
A. Yes, within 30 days of your last visit
43. How long can your office refill BCPs or prescriptions for chronic conditions?
A. Up to one year. After 365 days you will need to schedule an appointment.
44. Does your office have free parking?
A. Yes
45. What is your fax Number?
A. 866-869-0472
46. What is your email?
A. It is MiamiFamilyMedicine@gmail.com
Thank you for taking the time to read our FAQs. If you did not find your answer call 305-392-0449.