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Abben, Richard
Houma, LA
Cardiologist - Dr. Richard Abben, a native of Illinois, received his undergraduate degree from Augustana College and his medical degree...
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Your Guide to:
A Visit With CIS
 how do I schedule an appointment?
Call any CIS location and request your physician of choice, or let us know which location is nearest your home. We will try to schedule an appointment time that is convenient for you.
Once an appointment is scheduled, the receptionist will obtain your insurance information over the phone in order to verify your coverage.
If time allows, we will send you a packet of information by mail. Please fill out the forms in this packet and bring them with you to your initial visit to speed up the check-in process.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time in order to complete all paperwork, and always bring your most current insurance card(s).
Please notify our office 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel.
how do I prepare for my first visit?
It’s best to wear comfortable, two-piece clothing to your appointment. You will be asked to change into a gown for an examination. Wear walking shoes (or bring them with you). We also ask that you bring all of the medications you are currently taking.
It is not necessary for you to fast for your first visit. After being evaluated by the cardiologist or nurse practitioner, it will be determined if tests are necessary.
will I need testing?
Depending upon medical findings and any symptoms that you are experiencing, some diagnostic tests may be ordered, including blood work. Most of the testing is done in our CIS clinics. At times, tests may be performed at an outside facility or hospital.
what do I have to pay at my appointment time?
Payment of all copays, estimated coinsurance and deductible amounts are required at your visit. Copays will be collected at check-in for your convenience.
Always bring your current insurance card(s) and notify the receptionist if any personal or insurance information has changed since your last visit.
will my health insurance be filed for me?
CIS will make every effort to verify your coverage prior to your scheduled appointment, yet CIS cannot guarantee coverage of services by your insurance company.
As a courtesy, CIS will file your insurance claims for you and will communicate with your insurance company to resolve payment issues. However, in some circumstances you may be required to communicate with your insurance carrier to resolve these issues.
is CIS in my insurance network?
CIS is on the preferred provider list of many major insurance companies. Before scheduling an appointment, please verify that CIS is in your insurance network, and what services are covered under the terms of your individual plan.
will I always be able to see my physician?
As a patient at CIS, you can expect to see several different healthcare professionals. This is to allow for prompt and efficient healthcare that would not be possible from a single physician.
CIS believes that cardiovascular medicine is a team effort. At CIS, cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, specialized technologists, and many others work together to bring you the best of care.
will I still need to see my family physician?
Yes. You will still follow up with your family physician for common illnesses, such as colds, arthritis, etc.
In some cases, your family physician may have referred you to CIS for cardiovascular testing only. In this case, your family physician will discuss results and follow your care through his/her office. Some cardiovascular conditions require that you follow up with CIS on a continual basis.
how do I get my prescriptions refilled?
The best time to take care of prescription refills is during your office visit. At this time your physician can verify the medicines you are taking and make changes if necessary.
If you need your routine medications refilled between office visits, you should call your pharmacy with this request. The pharmacist will then contact us for a refill approval.
what are the CIS office hours?
CIS offices are open Monday through Friday, except for certain holidays. Offices are generally open from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hours at some locations may vary slightly. Contact the CIS location that you visit for more specific information.
During normal business hours, phone calls and messages are addressed in a timely manner. All calls will be returned the same day.
A CIS physician or nurse practitioner is available to respond to your emergency medical needs 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. If you need to speak with someone after hours, call our office and the physician or nurse practitioner on call will respond to your needs.
Please note that this Web site cannot replace regular discussions with your doctor or healthcare professional.
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