We have the right to charge for missed appointments not cancelled within a reasonable amount of time.  If you no show for 3 consecutive appointments, we have the right to dismiss you from our practice for non-compliance.  We only ask that you give us a courtesy call if you cannot keep your appointment.

To protect you, we must have your written consent to release some or all of your medical records to another physician, medical facility or insurance company.  Please allow 24 hours for records to be copied.

Call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room.  If your condition is urgent but not life threatening, please call 828-586-7000 for the doctor on call

Coverage of emergency admissions and in-patients from 5:00pm to 8:00am will be shared by WNC Hospitalist Service, Dr. Wolf, and Dr. Balta.  You will be seen by one or more of these physicians if you are admitted to the hospital or are an inpatient in the hospital.

Our office has a very strict policy regarding narcotics and controlled substances.  this policy is posted in our waiting area and all exam rooms.  prescriptions for these medications will be written only after appropriate testing has been obtained to confirm the need.  We will make referrals to pain clinics if the doctor chooses to do so.  WNC Internal medicine is not a pain clinic and will not treat chronic pain conditions.  Patients who abuse our policy regarding narcotics and controlled substances will be dismissed.