Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a primary care physician?

A: Having a primary care physician is really helpful. They get to know you, your history, and your family health background. Developing a long-term connection with your PCP can lead to great health benefits over your life, like improved handling of chronic conditions, fewer trips to the hospital and ER, and savings on healthcare costs.

Your primary care provider is your partner on your health journey. They can make recommendations, track your care journey, and support you as health needs arise.

Q: What types of patients does Dr. Jacob treat?

A: Dr. Jacob is board-certified in internal medicine and a primary care physician. This means he specializes in internal medicine and is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. He treats all adults older than 18 years old and has special training in caring for patients 65 and older.

Q: How long should I wait to get my first appointment?

A: At Dr. Jacob’s office, you will be seen within one week for your first appointment. However, if you need to be seen even sooner, we can accommodate that.

Q: Do you offer telemedicine?

A: YES, we offer and encourage telemedicine visits. We also have regular visits and same-day visits for sick calls.

Q: How can I make an appointment with the doctor?

A: You can make an appointment by calling the office or checking online through the portal. At Dr. Jacob’s office, we are proud to be one of the first to offer online appointments.

Q: I rarely get sick; why do I need a PCP?

A: Your primary care physician plays a crucial role in detecting health issues at their early stages, averting their progression into more serious problems. They provide preventive care with measures such as immunizations, routine imaging, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including assessments for cholesterol and blood pressure, flu vaccinations, and cancer screenings.

Additionally, they offer valuable guidance on diet and lifestyle to sustain or enhance your overall health. At Dr. Jacob’s practice, we believe in longevity and healthy aging, focusing on a stronger health span.

Q: I have a lung condition and want a referral to a lung doctor.

A: At The Toledo Clinic, we have every specialty you might need, all under one roof. We can and will make the referral, and you will be satisfied having all your physicians under one roof.

Q: What should I discuss with my PCP?

A: Transparently communicate with your PCP about your health status, sharing any concerns without reservation. If you are grappling with painful or discomforting symptoms affecting your daily life, experiencing adverse effects from medication, seeking assistance with healthy decision-making or lifestyle choices, encountering challenges related to sleep, marriage, or children, or coping with stress, depression, or sadness, each of these aspects can significantly influence your overall well-being.

Q: Will I see the doctor or somebody else at my appointment?

A: Dr. Jacob has a team of physicians and nurse practitioners (NPs). NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who have advanced clinical training. They diagnose and treat clinical problems and prescribe medications. Here at Dr. Jacob’s practice, we all work as a team. So, you might see the physician or one of his NPs, who is also trained by Dr. Jacob.

Q: How often should I see my PCP?

A: It depends. If you are a young patient with no significant medical problems, once per year is sufficient to manage your health. However, if you have multiple chronic medical problems, seeing your PCP more often will help alleviate most, if not all, of your issues. Studies have shown that those patients with multiple chronic conditions will do better if they see their PCP 5-6 times per year.

Q: How should I know about my labs or imaging studies?

A: At The Toledo Clinic, we have laboratory services as well as the most advanced imaging centers in the greater Toledo area. Results are usually up within a day or two, and Dr. Jacob’s staff will communicate the results to you once reviewed by the provider who ordered the test. Also, the results are instantly available at the portal once reviewed by the provider.

Q: Can I contact Dr. Jacob’s office after hours?

A: Absolutely! We have several ways in which you can reach us. If you have an urgent problem that is not an emergency, you will be given an after-hours telephone number you can call. For non-urgent issues, such as prescription refills, we recommend having your pharmacist call our office during office hours.

Q: What insurance plans do you accept?

A: We do accept most of the local and national health care insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Paramount, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and many others.

Q: Do you have enough parking space in your location?

A: Yes, we do. We have ample parking at the Secor location and offer free valet service from Monday to Friday.