In addition to the following commonly asked questions, you can direct any additional questions about becoming a new patient at Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center to our new patient coordinator via email at clinic@thepi.org or by phone at
Does insurance cover my visit?
We accept Medicare and most PPO plans. Many insurance companies also offer out-of-network benefits.
Do I need a referral?
Yes, in additional to a New Patient Packet, please have your neurologist or primary care physician send a referral via email at clinic@thepi.org.
Will you be my main neurologist, or do I continue with my current neurologist?
- One-Time Consultation: The patient is seen only for diagnosis or confirmation of a diagnosis, or for suggestions about management.
- Annual or Infrequent Visits: The patient has a consultation visit similar to that described above and then returns to the referring physician, who conducts all aspects of treatment and follow-up care based upon the recommendations made by our movement disorders specialist. The patient returns to our clinic as needed, often on an annual basis, for re-assessment so that additional recommendations may be made to the referring physician.
- Continuing Care: The patient elects to be a regular patient of our clinic with regular care, generally requiring a 20- to 30-minute visit every three to four months. More frequent visits may be necessary for complex problems. Treatment and follow-up care are coordinated by our movement disorders specialist.
How long are the appointments and what do I bring?
The initial appointment is 90-120 minutes long. We budget time to become acquainted, check in, and visit with the doctor. Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on patient need and average 30 minutes.
Please bring:
- Your insurance cards
- Completed new patient package
- Any additional medical records not yet forwarded to our office
Are there any special preparations I need to make for my appointment?
No, make no changes to your daily routine.