Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Are you accepting new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Manatee Primary Care is actively welcoming new patients. We accept adults of all ages and offer same-day appointments for urgent concerns. You can request an appointment online or call us at (941) 867-9362.

Question 2

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card(s), a list of all current medications and dosages, a list of known allergies, names and contact information for any specialists you see, and any recent lab results or medical records you have available. Arriving 15 minutes early to complete new patient paperwork is appreciated.

Question 3

Do you offer care in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Milian is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. All staff can assist Spanish-speaking patients, and our patient materials are available in both languages. We want every patient to feel comfortable and fully understood.

Question 4

What age groups do you see?

Accepted Answer

We provide primary care for adults. If you have questions about whether we are the right fit for a specific situation, please call us at (941) 867-9362 and we will be happy to help.

Question 5

What insurance plans do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Curative Health Plan, Oscar, Partners Health Direct, Manhattan Insurance, and most major commercial plans. We also welcome self-pay (uninsured) patients at transparent flat rates. Call us if you are unsure whether your plan is accepted.

Question 6

What are your self-pay rates?

Accepted Answer

For patients without insurance, our self-pay rates are straightforward: Initial visit — $85. Follow-up visit — $60. There are no hidden fees. We believe cost should not be a barrier to quality primary care.

Question 7

Do you accept Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept Medicare. Dr. Milian is a Medicare-participating provider. Annual wellness visits, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management are all covered services under Medicare. Please bring your Medicare card to your appointment.

Question 8

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can request an appointment online through our website or call us directly at (941) 867-9362. We also offer online scheduling through the Athena Health patient portal for established patients. Same-day appointments are available for urgent concerns.

Question 9

What are your office hours?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. For after-hours urgent concerns, please call our office and follow the prompts.

Question 10

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We reserve appointment slots each day for patients with urgent needs. If you are experiencing an acute illness, injury, or concerning symptom, call us first thing in the morning at (941) 867-9362 and we will do our best to see you the same day.

Question 11

How do I access the patient portal?

Accepted Answer

Established patients can access the Athena Health patient portal at portal.athenahealth.com. Through the portal you can view lab results, request prescription refills, send messages to our care team, and review your visit summaries. If you need help setting up your portal account, call our office.

Question 12

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We provide comprehensive primary care including management of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, anxiety, depression, and osteoporosis. We also offer preventive care, annual physicals, acute illness visits, and specialized services including CAC scoring for heart disease risk, wound care, and pharmacogenetic DNA testing for medication optimization.

Question 13

What is a CAC score and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score is a low-dose CT scan that detects calcium deposits in your coronary arteries — giving a direct picture of plaque buildup rather than just a risk estimate. It is particularly useful for patients with borderline cholesterol or intermediate cardiovascular risk. Ask Dr. Milian at your next visit whether CAC scoring is appropriate for you.

Question 14

Do you provide wound care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Milian holds board certification in wound care (CWSP) and treats chronic and complex wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and post-surgical wounds. If you or a loved one has a wound that is not healing properly, please call us to schedule a wound care evaluation.

Question 15

What is pharmacogenetic DNA testing?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacogenetic testing analyzes your DNA to determine how your body metabolizes specific medications — particularly antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. This helps us prescribe the most effective medication at the right dose from the start, reducing the trial-and-error process that many patients experience. Ask us whether this testing is right for you.

Question 16

Do you order lab work and imaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We order and review all standard laboratory tests including blood panels, urinalysis, and cultures. We also order imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs through our network of local radiology providers. Results are reviewed with you and available through the patient portal.

Question 17

What is a PCP and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

PCP stands for primary care physician — the doctor you see for routine checkups, chronic disease management, sick visits, and preventive care. Having a PCP means one doctor knows your full health history, coordinates your care, and catches problems early. Studies consistently show that patients with a regular PCP have lower hospitalization rates, better chronic disease outcomes, and lower overall healthcare costs. If you do not have a PCP, Manatee Primary Care is accepting new patients now.

Question 18

What is the difference between a primary care doctor, a family doctor, and an internist?

Accepted Answer

These terms are often used interchangeably but have slight differences. A family medicine physician (family doctor) is trained to care for patients of all ages. An internist (internal medicine physician) specializes in adult medicine and complex chronic conditions. Both serve as primary care physicians for adults. Dr. Milian is board-certified in family medicine and serves as a PCP for adult patients in Bradenton, FL.

Question 19

What is the difference between an annual physical and a sick visit?

Accepted Answer

An annual physical (wellness visit) is a scheduled preventive checkup when you are not sick — it covers your overall health, lab work, screenings, and vaccinations, and is typically covered at 100% by insurance. A sick visit is an appointment to address a specific symptom or concern and is billed separately. If you bring up a new medical problem at your annual physical and your doctor examines and treats it, that portion may be billed as a separate sick visit. When in doubt, let us know at scheduling so we can build in the right amount of time.

Question 20

Do I need a referral to see a specialist in Florida?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your insurance plan. HMO plans typically require a referral from your PCP before seeing a specialist. PPO plans usually allow direct specialist access, though your PCP's coordination is still valuable. Medicare generally does not require referrals. If you are unsure, call your insurance company or ask us — we help patients navigate this every day and can coordinate referrals to trusted specialists throughout the Bradenton and Sarasota area.

Question 21

How do I request a prescription refill?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to request a refill is through the Athena Health patient portal. You can also call our office at (941) 867-9362. Please allow 48-72 business hours for refill processing. For controlled substances, an in-person visit may be required per Florida law.

Question 22

Can you provide specialist referrals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As your primary care physician, Dr. Milian coordinates your care and can refer you to trusted specialists in cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, gastroenterology, and other fields when needed. We work with a network of specialists throughout the Bradenton and Sarasota area.

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Prescriptions & Referrals

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