Your First Visit

At the time of your first visit, a health history and neurological examination is done. Dr. Herz may then order tests and x-rays to help diagnose a disorder requiring surgical intervention. If surgery proves unnecessary, an individual will be referred for appropriate further evaluation and treatment with other health care professionals.

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Our Philosopy of Practice

Our role: Physicians and nurses are health care professionals who interact with patients in a caring fashion. They are not the actual healers.

Your role: From experience, we know that a patient's mind and body are what influences the healing process. That's why we say that it's the ill individual who is at the center of the healthcare process. For this reason, he or she will want to play an activel role in the decision and management process. Self-management regarding diet, exercise, smoking habits and medication along with family involvement and occupation are some of the issues a patient will want to address during the treatment and recovery process.

The family's role: We believe that patients are a group of individuals who are part of larger, more important groups – their families. In caring for individuals, it has been noted that all parties are benefited when family units take an active role in assisting patients reach their optimal level of wellness.

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Appointments

Most patients are referred by other doctors, however, you don't need to be referred in order to schedule a visit with Dr. Herz.

If you need to cancel an appointment, we ask that you let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling:

Local: (616) 977-5022
Out-of-town: 1-877-977-5022 (toll free)

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Patient Information Forms

If, after making an appointment, there is time for us to send you pre-registration information, we ask that you take the time to fill it out as completely as possible and bring that material with you on your first visit in order to help shorten your waiting time.

Review our Office Policy Information Form (16k PDF)

To assist you in providing specific information about your condition, and to help you determine what the best treatment option is for you, please use our "Making An Informed Decision" worksheet.

"Making An Informed Decision" worksheet (20k PDF)

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What to Bring

On your first visit, we ask that you bring the following:

•	Completed patient information sheet and medical history forms
•	X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans (if you have them)
•	The name and address of your referring physician (if applicable)
•	Medical records in some cases (check with us for details)
•	Your insurance card

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Payment for Services

Depending on your insurance coverage, you may incur expenses relating to co-pays, deductibles or other issues. To keep your expenses as low as possible, our practice uses the latest in office management techniques and billing technology.

Questions about your statements can be answered by our billing service, Innovative Practice Concepts at:

Local: (616) 459-0898
Out-of-town: 1-800-606-1455 (toll free)

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Prescriptions

Requests for prescription renewals are processed during normal office hours (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). If you have questions or problems during these hours, please call our office at:

Local: (616) 977-5022
Out-of-town: 1-877-977-5022 (toll free)

For restrictions regarding prescriptions, please review our
Prescription Policy page.

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Emergencies

If you have an emergency after normal office hours, you should go directly to the Emergency Room. There, you will be evaluated by an emergency room physician. He/she will be in direct contact with Dr. Herz or the on-call neurosurgeon from our office.

The emergency room staff works very closely with our staff in assessing, diagnosing and treating our patients. Please recognize that only those calls made by physicians or authorized hospital personnel are accepted by our staff after normal office hours.

Dr. Herz works in collaboration with Dr. Gracias, Dr. Klafeta, Dr. Kidwai, Dr. Luders and Dr. Seladotis to provide his patients with 24-hour neurosurgical coverage.

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Confidentiality

We will not release information about your care unless you so desire by providing us with written authorization. You will be asked to review and sign a privacy notice that advises you of our policies in compliance with federal HIPAA confidentiality regulations.

HIPAA Information Form (16k PDF)

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