Frequently Asked Questions

You can schedule an appointment online through our website, via your patient portal, or by calling us at 718-859-7446. We offer same-day appointments for urgent needs.

Yes, we reserve appointment slots each day for same-day urgent visits. Call us in the morning for best availability.

Please call us at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer the slot to another patient.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork and check-in procedures.

Yes, we offer extended hours including evenings and weekends to accommodate your schedule. Check our hours for specific availability.

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a painless, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. We perform EKGs in-office at RASMED Clinic. Your physician may order an EKG if you have chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, a history of heart disease, or as part of a pre-operative evaluation or routine cardiac screening.

Call 911 immediately for: chest pain or pressure (especially radiating to the arm, jaw, or back), sudden shortness of breath at rest, cold sweats with chest discomfort, sudden dizziness or loss of consciousness, and rapid or irregular heartbeat with fainting. Women may experience atypical symptoms including fatigue, nausea, and jaw or back pain without classic chest pain.

Blood pressure is classified as: Normal (<120/80), Elevated (120–129/<80), Stage 1 High (130–139/80–89), Stage 2 High (≥140/90). A hypertensive crisis — readings above 180/120 — requires emergency evaluation. Even Stage 1 hypertension significantly increases cardiovascular risk over time. Our physicians will evaluate your reading in context and develop a management plan.

Yes. We coordinate direct referrals to board-certified cardiologists within our trusted network and handle pre-authorization with your insurance. While awaiting your cardiology appointment, we can manage your blood pressure medications, order baseline labs, and perform an in-office EKG so you arrive at your specialist visit with a complete clinical picture.

The most impactful steps are: controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly (150 minutes of moderate activity per week), managing diabetes, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing stress. Our physicians will assess your specific risk factors using validated tools and create a personalized cardiovascular risk reduction plan.

Yes, we offer both rapid antigen and PCR COVID-19 testing. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can schedule an appointment.

Yes, we provide COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Please call to schedule your vaccination appointment.

We follow all CDC guidelines including enhanced cleaning protocols, social distancing measures, and mask requirements when necessary to ensure patient and staff safety.

We recommend annual skin cancer screenings for adults. If you have risk factors or a history of skin cancer, more frequent screenings may be needed.

Yes, we provide comprehensive acne treatment for patients of all ages, including teenagers.

Yes, we can remove moles for medical or cosmetic reasons. We'll examine the mole and discuss the best approach.

Federal law requires a DOT physical for all operators of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce — vehicles weighing 10,001+ lbs, vehicles carrying 9–15 passengers for compensation, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials. This includes CDL holders and many non-CDL CMV operators. If you hold a commercial driver's license, you need a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate.

Most drivers receive a 24-month (2-year) certificate. Drivers with certain manageable medical conditions — such as controlled hypertension or diabetes — may receive a shorter certificate (3, 6, or 12 months) with required follow-up. Your examiner determines the certification period based on your health status.

Yes, in most cases. Drivers with Stage 1 hypertension (130–159/90–99) are generally certifiable for 1 year. Drivers with Stage 2 hypertension (160–179/100–109) receive a one-time 3-month certificate to allow time for treatment. Stage 3 hypertension (≥180/110) is disqualifying until adequately treated. Our physicians will document your blood pressure and advise you on your certification status.

FMCSA disqualifying conditions include: vision below 20/40 in either eye (uncorrected or with correction), hearing loss beyond specified thresholds, systolic blood pressure ≥180 or diastolic ≥110 at exam, epilepsy or recent seizure (without exemption), insulin-treated diabetes (without ITDM exemption), and current use of certain Schedule I or II controlled substances. Our examiners will review your full history.

Bring your driver's license or government ID, a list of all medications including dosages, glasses or contacts if you use them for driving, hearing aids if applicable, and any documentation from your physician about medical conditions (especially diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or cardiac disease). Get a good night's rest, drink water, and avoid caffeine the morning of your exam as these can affect blood pressure readings.

Our Valley Stream location is open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 10am-3pm. Our Brooklyn location is open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. Hours may vary by department.

Yes! We welcome walk-ins for most services. However, scheduling an appointment ensures minimal wait time and guarantees availability.

We have two convenient locations: Valley Stream at 193 N Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580, and Brooklyn. Visit our contact page for detailed directions.

You can request your medical records through your patient portal or by contacting our office directly. We'll process your request within 30 days as required by law.

Yes! We offer telemedicine consultations for many services. You can schedule a virtual visit through your patient portal or by calling our office.

Patients who are homebound due to illness, injury, or disability and require skilled nursing care may qualify.

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover home care services when medically necessary. We'll verify your coverage.

Visit frequency is determined by your care plan and medical needs, ranging from daily to weekly visits.

A Civil Surgeon is a physician designated by USCIS to conduct the Form I-693 immigration medical examination. Only a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon can perform and sign the I-693 — results from any other physician are not accepted. RASMED Clinic's physicians are designated Civil Surgeons authorized to conduct these exams.

USCIS requires documentation of all ACIP-recommended vaccinations for which you are age-appropriate. These typically include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella, Tdap, flu, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines. We can administer any missing vaccines in-office during your visit.

Most immigration physical exams take 1–2 hours, depending on how many vaccines or additional tests are needed. TB testing requires a return visit 48–72 hours later to read the skin test result. We schedule both visits to minimize the total time from exam to sealed envelope.

You typically receive your sealed I-693 envelope at your return TB test reading visit (48–72 hours after your initial exam), provided all lab results are back. If blood work is pending, we notify you as soon as results are available. The sealed envelope must be submitted to USCIS within 60 days of the Civil Surgeon's signature.

Certain medical findings can require additional documentation or referrals, but most conditions do not disqualify applicants. Conditions that may require follow-up include active tuberculosis, syphilis, and certain mental health or substance use conditions. Our physicians document findings accurately and provide guidance on next steps. We recommend consulting with your immigration attorney if you have specific concerns.

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and many others. Please call to verify your specific plan.

Yes, we accept both Medicare and Medicaid, as well as most Medicare Advantage plans.

We offer self-pay options and can work with you on payment plans. Please speak with our billing department about affordable payment options.

Contact our billing department with your insurance information and the service you need. We'll provide an estimate based on your coverage.

Bills are typically sent 2-4 weeks after your visit, after we've processed your insurance claim. You can also view bills through your patient portal.

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for patients who need them. Contact our billing department to discuss options.

Fasting requirements depend on the specific tests ordered. We'll inform you if fasting is necessary when you schedule your appointment.

Most routine tests are completed within 24-48 hours. Some tests may take longer. Results are sent electronically to your physician.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. We'll verify your coverage before testing.

Under the MRTA, any patient with a condition that a physician believes may benefit from cannabis may be certified. Common qualifying conditions include chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathy, and opioid use disorder as an adjunct therapy. Your physician will review your diagnosis and medical history during the evaluation.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your current medical records documenting your qualifying condition (doctor's notes, specialist letters, prior treatment records), and a list of your current medications. Having documentation of your diagnosis makes the evaluation faster and more thorough.

New York medical marijuana certifications are valid for one year from the date of issue. To renew, you schedule a follow-up evaluation with our physician before your certification expires. Renewal appointments are typically shorter than initial visits.

Not necessarily. Our certifying physician can conduct a full medical evaluation during your appointment. However, bringing records from your treating physician that document your qualifying diagnosis significantly strengthens your certification and ensures the most appropriate patient care.

Yes, but our physician will conduct a careful medication interaction review. Cannabis can interact with certain blood thinners, sedatives, and other medications. We will advise you on any interactions and ensure your overall treatment plan is safe and coordinated.

Yes, we are currently accepting new patients at both our Valley Stream and Brooklyn locations.

Please bring your insurance card, photo ID, list of current medications, relevant medical records, and any completed new patient forms.

You can request that your previous provider send your records to us, or we can help you obtain them. We'll need a signed release form.

Most insurance plans do not require a referral for primary care. However, some HMO plans may require one. Please check with your insurance provider.

You can access your patient portal through our website. If you haven't registered yet, ask our staff for an activation code at your next visit.

Through the patient portal, you can view test results, request prescription refills, schedule appointments, view your medical history, communicate with your care team, and pay bills.

Lab results are posted to your patient portal as soon as they're available. You'll receive a notification when new results are ready to view.

Yes, you can request prescription refills through your patient portal. Please allow 48 hours for processing.

We provide care for children from birth through 18 years of age. Newborn visits can begin within the first few days of life. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) well-child visit schedule for routine appointments.

Yes. We administer all vaccines recommended by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the AAP. We stock all standard childhood vaccines in-office and can administer them during well-child visits or as catch-up appointments for unvaccinated children.

Call our office first — we offer same-day sick visits for children during clinic hours. Our staff will triage your child's symptoms and get them seen promptly. For emergencies involving difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, or loss of consciousness, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Yes. We complete school entry physicals, sports clearance physicals (for New York school athletic programs), and camp physicals. These can be done during a regular well-child visit or as a standalone appointment. We typically complete all required forms the same day.

Yes. Developmental screening is a standard component of every well-child visit. We use validated tools including the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) and M-CHAT (for autism screening at 18 and 24 months). When concerns are identified, we initiate early intervention referrals and specialty evaluations promptly.

Bring your photo ID, any forms from your employer, vaccination records, and a list of current medications.

Most pre-employment physicals take 30-60 minutes, depending on employer requirements.

Results are typically sent to employers within 24-48 hours of your examination.

We accept walk-ins at both our Valley Stream and Brooklyn locations during clinic hours. For non-urgent concerns or annual physicals, scheduling an appointment ensures the least wait time. Same-day appointments are usually available for acute illness.

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid (Fidelis, MetroPlus, HealthFirst, EmblemHealth, 1199SEIU), and commercial plans (Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare). Call our office or check with your plan to confirm in-network status.

Most adults benefit from an annual wellness exam. Your physician may recommend more frequent visits if you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Preventive screenings (colonoscopy, mammography, Pap smear) follow age and risk-based guidelines your doctor will review with you.

Absolutely. We actively encourage patients to establish care with us as their permanent primary care home. Building a long-term relationship with your physician allows for better, safer care — we track your health history, know your medications, and can identify changes over time that a walk-in-only approach would miss.

We manage both. Chronic condition management — including diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, thyroid disease, and asthma — is a core part of our primary care practice. We schedule regular follow-up visits, order monitoring labs, and adjust your medications to keep you at your best.

Walk-ins are welcome for X-rays, but appointments ensure minimal wait time.

Most imaging results are available within 24 hours. Urgent cases may be read sooner.

Yes, modern X-ray equipment uses minimal radiation. The benefits of accurate diagnosis far outweigh the minimal risks.

We offer comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, urgent care, pediatrics, women's health, cardiology, dermatology, physical therapy, laboratory services, radiology, immigration medical exams, pre-employment physicals, DOT physicals, workers' compensation care, home care services, and telemedicine.

Yes, we have a fully equipped on-site laboratory and digital X-ray facilities for your convenience, providing fast results.

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications when medically necessary. We can send prescriptions directly to your preferred pharmacy.

Yes, if you need specialized care, we can provide referrals to trusted specialists in our network.

Yes, we are authorized civil surgeons and provide USCIS-approved immigration medical examinations (Form I-693).

Suboxone is the brand name for buprenorphine/naloxone — an FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that binds to the same brain receptors as opioids, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the high associated with full opioids. Naloxone is added to deter misuse. When taken as prescribed, Suboxone is a life-saving treatment that significantly reduces the risk of opioid overdose.

Yes — Suboxone induction is safest when started when you are in mild-to-moderate opioid withdrawal. Starting too early (while opioids are still active in your system) can trigger precipitated withdrawal, which is very uncomfortable. Your physician will review your last opioid use, assess your withdrawal status using the COWS scale, and guide you through the induction process safely.

Absolutely. Your treatment at RASMED Clinic is fully protected under federal and state medical privacy laws, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 (substance use disorder confidentiality regulations). We do not disclose your treatment to your employer, family members, or any third party without your explicit written consent.

The duration of Suboxone treatment is individual. Research consistently shows that longer treatment duration is associated with better recovery outcomes and lower relapse rates. For many patients, indefinite maintenance therapy is appropriate. Your physician will work with you to set goals and — when you and your doctor agree the time is right — develop a tapering plan.

Yes. Suboxone treatment is covered by Medicaid, Medicare Part D, and most commercial insurance plans as a result of federal parity laws requiring equal coverage for substance use disorder treatment. Our staff will verify your coverage before your first appointment. For uninsured or underinsured patients, the manufacturer offers patient assistance programs to reduce costs.

Telehealth is well-suited for many common conditions including upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, UTIs, allergies, acid reflux, rashes (with photo review), anxiety and depression screening, medication refills for stable chronic conditions, lab result reviews, and follow-up visits for chronic disease management. If we determine during the visit that an in-person exam or diagnostic test is necessary, we will schedule you for an in-office visit promptly.

Yes. Our telehealth platform is fully HIPAA-compliant and uses end-to-end encryption. Your visit is confidential and conducted on a secure connection. We do not record telemedicine visits without your explicit consent, and all documentation is stored in your encrypted medical record.

Yes — our physicians can prescribe many medications via telehealth, including antibiotics, antihistamines, inhalers, blood pressure medications, and other appropriate drugs. However, controlled substances (except for Suboxone under specific DEA telehealth regulations) generally cannot be prescribed via telehealth under federal law. Your physician will advise you if an in-person visit is needed for your specific prescription.

You need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. You will receive a secure link by email or text before your appointment — no app download is required. Find a private, quiet space for your visit. Having a list of your current medications and your insurance card nearby is also helpful.

Yes. Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans now cover telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits. Coverage expanded significantly following federal policy changes, and most plans have maintained these benefits. We verify your insurance coverage before your appointment and will inform you of any cost-sharing obligations upfront.

Requirements vary by insurance. Some plans allow direct access to physical therapy, while others require a physician referral.

Treatment duration varies based on your condition and goals. Most patients attend 2-3 sessions per week for several weeks.

While some discomfort is normal during recovery, we work within your pain tolerance and adjust treatment as needed.

Current ACOG guidelines recommend a Pap smear every 3 years for women aged 21–29, and either a Pap smear alone every 3 years OR a Pap smear with HPV co-test every 5 years for women aged 30–65. Your physician will personalize this schedule based on your history, including any prior abnormal results or HPV status.

A complete well-woman exam includes a review of your medical history, vital signs, breast examination, pelvic examination, Pap smear (on schedule), STI screening, cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment, contraceptive review, mental health screening, and age-appropriate cancer screening orders (mammography, colonoscopy, DEXA). We also address any specific health concerns you bring to the visit.

These are very common symptoms of perimenopause — the transitional phase before menopause, which can begin in your 40s. Our physicians will evaluate your hormone levels (FSH, estradiol), review your symptoms, and discuss both hormonal (HRT) and non-hormonal treatment options to help you manage symptoms and protect your long-term bone and cardiovascular health.

Yes. We provide comprehensive contraceptive counseling and prescribe all hormonal methods (pills, patch, ring, injection, hormonal IUD) and can coordinate placement of long-acting reversible contraceptives (IUD, implant). We take a non-judgmental approach and help you select the method that best fits your health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals.

Common UTI symptoms include burning with urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. Walk-in or call us — we can see you the same day. We collect a urine sample, perform a rapid urinalysis, and prescribe appropriate antibiotics when confirmed. Untreated UTIs can progress to kidney infections, so early treatment is important.

Requirements vary by state and employer. We can help you navigate the workers' compensation process.

Workers' compensation insurance typically covers all approved medical treatment for work-related injuries.

Yes, we provide return-to-work assessments and can recommend modified duty if needed during recovery.