Internal Medicine and Concierge Medical Service FAQs

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions at Bonk Internal Medicine in Memphis. Contact us for more information!

What if I need a refill on a medication?

Please contact your pharmacy directly for all routine refill requests and allow 24 business hours for processing, longer if Prior Authorization is required.Your pharmacy will forward an electronic refill request to us. This will ensure the accuracy and efficiency of response to your prescription needs. Please keep in mind that if you are running low on routine medications it is likely time to follow up with your provider and an appointment needs to be scheduled. If you are past due for a follow up, your provider will generally only approve a 30 day supply of your routine medication to allow time for you to schedule and complete the appropriate visit in our office.

How do I get my lab results?

Your provider will contact you by telephone to review the results with you the day following your appointment. If requested your labs can be faxed or e-mailed to you.

What is the policy for calling the On-Call provider after the office is closed?

The On-Call provider is for urgent problems only that cannot wait until the next business day. In an emergency you should always call 911. For urgent problems after the office is closed, the number to call is the same as our office number (901) 761-1850. After hours this number will give you your provider’s phone number so that you are able to call him/her directly.No narcotic pain medications or other controlled substances will be called in by the provider. Routine refills will not be called in. Please respect the provider and make sure that your call is appropriate.

What is the medication call-in policy? What about narcotics and other controlled substances?

No narcotics will be called in. This includes Oxycodone (Percocet) and Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, Norco). No other controlled substances will be called in. This includes Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin, Ambien, and Lunesta. Please refer to our prescription refill policy for more information.

What hospital affiliations do you have if I need to be admitted to the hospital?

While we are no longer on any hospital staffs, we utilize the Hospital Admission Specialists, or Hospitalists, that are employed at all of the local hospitals. Hospitalists are physicians who have dedicated their careers to the care of hospitalized patients. At your discharge, your hospitalist will ask you to follow up with our office and notes from your admission will be available to the provider for your follow-up visit.

How do I get a referral to a specialist?

If this is a problem you and your provider have already discussed, contact the office to request a referral. Otherwise, we may request that you make an appointment to discuss your work up and treatment options.

Who do I call if I have a question about my bill?

If you have billing questions, please call the billing office phone number included on your bill. If you still have questions after speaking with them please call our office.

Can I be seen the same day if I am sick?

Yes. While we do not take walk-ins, we do make same day appointments for our established patients, when needed.

What is a Sick Visit?

Think you have the flu? Maybe a sore throat and fever? A spider bite or poison ivy?

Just call and schedule a same day sick visit! Same day appointments are for established patients with any minor ailment that might be of concern.

What is Concierge Medicine?

Crowded waiting rooms, jam-packed schedules, doctors too harried to really listen to their patients — such complaints abound whenever there’s talk about medical care. Recently a new style of healthcare delivery has emerged : ‘Concierge’ or ‘Retainer’ practices. The patient pays an annual fee and providers see fewer patients so they can spend more time with each patient. At Bonk Internal Medicine those services are offered without any fees or retainers. In addition to longer visits, a commitment to shorter waits, and the provider’s cellphone number and email address, a phone call from your provider the day after a visit to discuss labs is the norm. For further information please call our office.

What is considered a chronic medical condition?

Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and gout are examples of healthcare problems that need diligent and periodic monitoring. This list is short, but represents the most commonly seen and treated in our office. There is a myriad of other conditions that we treat but too numerous to list all here.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

If you have a problem with low testosterone we feel it is best to discuss treatment options, goals, and possible side effects before starting replacement. We also want our patients to understand that regular follow-up appointments are needed not just to monitor their Testosterone level but to monitor other body systems that may be affected. If you would like more information please call our office.

What is an Internist?

An Internist is another name for a Doctor of Internal Medicine. Internists may also be called “General Internists”. They are Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Doctors of Internal Medicine have completed three years of Residency training (after four years Medical School). The Residency training is solely dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults. But don’t mistake us for “interns”,who are doctors in their first year of residency training. Learn more about Internists here.

What is a Physician Assistant or PA?

PAs are sometimes called “Mid-Level” providers. Like a physician, the PA is licensed by the state to see patients and prescribe medications. PAs attend a two and a half year post-baccalaureate masters degree program specializing in clinical and PA studies. In private practice a physician is always available to consult with the PA should there be a need. Physician Assistants are Board Certified (NCCPA) and must complete Continuing Learn more about PA’s here.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Office hours are by appointment and we do value your time. This is a private practice office and the appointment time is reserved for you alone.

We do not double book our patients. Like many practices, this office does call to confirm your appointment. If you cannot make an appointment as scheduled, please notify the office.

There will be a charge of $50 per 15 minutes of scheduled time for a broken appointment or cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice. If you have any questions about our appointment cancellation or no-show policy, please feel free to ask us.

Do you take credit cards?

We do accept some credit cards. We also accept cash or check. Please inquire when making your appointment. We also accept cashier checks. Co-pays are to be paid at time of service.

What do I do if I have questions after my visit?

If labs or tests were ordered during your visit, you will receive follow up calls on all results from your provider. You may discuss any concerns regarding your visit at that time. For all other questions and requests please call the office at (901)761.1850. Oftentimes our knowledgeable staff can provide the information you need. If not, they will pass the message along to the provider who will return your call the same day.

Bonk Internal Medicine Memphis

Bonk Internal Medicine

Open Mon-Thu: 8:30am to Noon
1:30pm to 4:30pm
Fridays 8:30am to Noon

Phone: (901) 761-1850

Fax: (901) 761-1822

5565 Murray Ave. #200

Memphis TN 38119

Bonk Internal Medicine