The brochure text is reproduced below.

---

Welcome to Bronson Nephrology

You have been referred to us by your doctor. We want to tell you about ourselves, so that you can prepare for your upcoming visit with us. Our specialty is nephrology. Nephrology is the study of the kidneys. We also specialize in the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure, because kidney disease is so closely related to it.

We know you may be feeling anxious about seeing a specialist, so we will try to do everything we can to make your visit pleasant.

To Get a Head Start

A questionnaire may have been sent with this brochure. You can help us make things run more smoothly if you take time now to fill it out. We need this information in order to treat you effectively, and to take care of any insurance matters. If you need help, please call us. We’ll be glad to answer any questions. And make sure you bring the questionnaire with you when you come.

Some Routine Tests

Normally, we will need to have you undergo some laboratory tests before you come to see us. However, if your situation indicates that you need immediate medical attention, we will schedule an appointment right away. Otherwise, we will be calling you to arrange for testing at a hospital near your home. Once we receive a report of these test results, we will call you to arrange an appointment at our office. We ask that you bring any medication you are now taking. A map to our office is on the back of this brochure.

When You Arrive

When you first come into our office, let our receptionist know that you have arrived. Please give her the questionnaire we sent you and then have a seat and relax for a few minutes.

The Doctor Will See You

You will be brought into an exam room by our nurse. She will check your weight and blood pressure. The doctor will be with you in a short while. On your first visit he will perform a physical examination, ask you a number of questions, and discuss your medical history and test results with you. He may also perform additional tests near the end of your visit. All of this usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half.

Your Test Results

If the doctor ordered any laboratory tests on you, normally he will discuss the results with you during your next appointment. But, again, if your test results show that you need immediate medical attention, the doctor will contact you.

Your Next Appointment

Kidney problems and hypertension usually require evaluation and treatment over several appointments. You will probably be asked to come back to see the doctor again. Please check with the receptionist before you leave to schedule any follow-up appointments. Follow-up patients are generally seen after 1 p.m. each day.

Free Blood Pressure Check

We provide free blood pressure checks between visits whenever we feel that your blood pressure should be monitored more frequently. Free blood pressure checks are only provided during regular office hours.

Bronson Nephrology and Your Regular Doctor

After we have evaluated your condition, we dictate a detailed letter to your regular doctor about our findings. We keep your regular doctor informed all along the way, so we can coordinate your treatment for maximum effectiveness.

Office Hours

If you need to contact us regarding tests, appointments, prescriptions, or other non-emergency matters, call us at (616) 383-7883 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. These are our regular office hours.

In case of emergency, a doctor is always available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. When you call our office number outside of our regular office hours, you will get an answering service. The answering service will contact the doctor who is on call. Be sure to let the service know exactly what the problem is.

Prescriptions

We will call in prescriptions for you to the pharmacy of your choice. We ask that you use this service only during regular office hours. There is no fee for calling in prescriptions. A prescription slip is required for certain prescriptions. Slips can be picked up at our office during regular hours.

Billing

We ask that you pay us at the time of your appointment. If you are unable to do this for any reason, please let us know in advance. We will work out special billing arrangements with you. If you have questions about a bill, please call our office.

Insurance

We will supply you with the medical records and bills you need in order to obtain reimbursement from your insurance company or other sources such as Medicare. If you need assistance with your insurance forms, we will be glad to help you.

Your Medical Records

We need to keep information in your medical records current. If your name, address, phone number, or insurance situation changes, please let us know as soon as you can.

Your medical records are confidential. We will not tell anyone about your condition without your permission. If for any reason you want someone else to see your records, ask our receptionist for a “release of information” form. We’ll be glad to send it to you by mail. You will need to sign and return it to us.

What You Do Is Important

Your nephrologist knows a lot about treating kidney disease and hypertension. But you can help. Follow his advice about diet, exercise and medication. These areas are important to your treatment. What you do makes a difference!

We look forward to your visit!

Sincerely,

S. N. Argyres, M.D.

Eugene C. Grochowski, M.D