What is Mt. Airy Family Practice?

Mt. Airy Family Practice is a partnership of four board certified family physicians. Family medicine is a medical specialty anchored firmly in the biological, clinical and behavioral sciences. We provide continuing, comprehensive healthcare for the individual while emphasizing the health of the family.

Family medicine doctors, like us, provide care for men, women, children and infants - there is no age limit to the patients a family physician serves. There is no part of the body, no disease or condition excluded from the family physician's care. In every sense, today's family physician is what patients throughout history had in mind when they used the term "doctor."

Our primary commitment is to excellence in patient care. To achieve this, we involve two experienced primary care  registered nurses, Elaine and Maureen. In consultation with the physicians, they handle medically related phone calls and emails to our office.

What if I need to be admitted to the hospital?

All of our physicians are on staff at Chestnut Hill Hospital; however, we do not make hospital rounds. If you require hospital care, Chestnut Hill hospitalist physicians will care for you. These are doctors who specialize in caring for sick people in a hospital setting. They will communicate with us regarding your care, and have you follow up with us after your discharge from the hospital.

How is the fee for services handled? 

Payment is expected at the time of service by either cash or check. A copy of the bill may be provided to you for submission to private insurance companies for reimbursement and for tax records. A six-dollar fee is applied for any late payment. Please speak to the billing clerk if you have any questions.

How can I reach the doctors when the office is not open?

If you have a medical emergency that cannot wait until the office is open, dial the main office number, (215) 848-6880, and you will be connected to our paging system. You will receive a call back from one of the doctors within 45 minutes. Please reserve use of our emergency system for sudden changes in health that require immediate assistance. Keep your phone line open until you hear from us. Do not use this service for medication renewals.

How can I obtain emergency services? 

If you have an emergency which cannot wait, then please use the emergency room at Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8815 Germantown Ave. If possible, we suggest you contact us first, since we might be able to guide you as to whether the emergency room is the best place for your care.

How are specialist referrals handled?

We use specialists affiliated with Chestnut Hill Hospital. We generally will see you in our office for any given problem before giving you a referral. Referrals are often sent electronically. You will be notified if you need to pick up a paper referral. No backdated referrals can be given after a visit to a specialist. In many cases it is best to see one of our providers to see if a referral is necessary. You may request referrals at over the internet at www.mtairyfamilypractice.com.

What if I need a form completed?

Most forms will be completed within 1-2 weeks. There is a minimum five-dollar fee for the completion of any form. Note that for any physical forms, you must have had a complete physical exam in the prior year. No form will be completed until all past due balances are satisfied.

How can I obtain medications and refills?

We ask that you bring all your medication bottles to every visit. We make every attempt to prescribe ample medications until your next routine check-up. You should never need to phone in for refills. If you have used your last refill for a chronically required medication, you may need a visit before a renewal will be given. Medication renewal requests should be handled during regular office hours. You may also request refills at our internet link at www.mtairyfamilypractice.com.

Open Access Scheduling

We believe that the best care occurs when you see your regular physician for most of your medical needs. Our scheduling system is designed to make it easier for you to see your own physician for both physicals and sick visits. Appointments are still required, and you can call to schedule your visit the same day or the day before your want to come.

To make as many appointments as possible available to you, we have instituted a $25 fee for missing your appointment, or for canceling your appointment with less than 24 hours notice.

How do I obtain test results?

You will receive a communication from our office regarding every test that one of our physician orders. All labs are reviewed daily and anything abnormal will be addressed. If your results are normal, or not urgent, you will receive a letter from our office within 3 weeks. We ask that you not call for your routine test results unless you have not received a letter within one month of your test.

If a specialist ordered a test that was collected in our office, that physician will receive your results. Contact the ordering physician to obtain or review your results.

Take Control of Your Weight from the Inside Out!

This unique five-week program was created to assist each participant in creating a healthy, whole relationship with the body as an integrated part of the self.

Based on individual and group Gestalt coaching techniques, it is designed for people who want a deeper level of personal awareness leading to empowerment and to taking responsibility for their health.

Working in a small-group setting, you will:

> Identify patterns that limit your success

> Create a new vision of your physical self

>Learn to honor yourself through loving self-care

>Develop a support system for success

Led by Mary Kinder Loiselle, professional coach, and Linda Good, MD, meetings take place on Mondays from 6-8pm at the Mt. Airy Counseling Center (6833 Wayne Ave., Philadelphia). Cost: $250. To enroll or ask questions call Mary K. Loiselle at 610-272-4775.