Bothell Balancing Health Bothell Craniosacral Therapy

Welcome - To Dr. Mary O'Connell's practice at Balancing Health. We hope that we can make your time with us as enjoyable as possible. Dr. O'Connell sees patients here and performs surgery at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center. The following is general information, which will clarify any questions you may have. Balancing Health Bothell

Bio - Dr. Mary O’Connell has had extensive training and experience in women’s health care for the past 25 years. From 1968 to 1970 she worked as an ECG technician. While raising four children she became a registered nurse in 1976. Academic Honors and election to the “ Who’s Who” accompanied the progression of her medical education. She graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1985. She then completed General Surgery Internship and an OB/GYN residency program at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City by 1989. Since then, she has been in private practice in Washington State. In addition to educational pursuits, she has published papers and participated in medical research. During the past few years, she has been fortunate enough to travel in different cultures. She attended the first International Women’s Health Care Conference in China. She also spent time with indigenous healers in South America, India and New Zealand. She completed a certificate program at Bastyr University in Spirituality in Health and Medicine. Her philosophy includes education to promote wellness and self-care. Specialties include ultrasound, urogynecology and menopause. She believes that a holistic approach benefits all.

Making Appointments- Patients are seen by appointment Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments may be made by calling the receptionist at 425-398 -WELL (9355). Most of time we stay on schedule, but emergencies do arise. Please assist us by being on time for your appointment. Balancing Health Bothell

Your First Appointment - If you are unable to keep your appointment or are going to be late, please call the office at 425 398-9355 as soon as possible. This courtesy allows us to be of better service to others. On your first visit, a permanent record will be started. Please complete the health history questionnaire and registration form in advance and bring your insurance card or information. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for registration.

Emergency Care - If you have an urgent problem please call the office 425 398 9355 for information during or after office hours. AFTER OFFICE HOURS, A VOICE MESSAGE WILL GIVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS on how to contact the physician on call to return your call. In case of emergency it is best to call 911 or go to the Emergency Room at the hospital where the physician on duty will evaluate your condition, begin treatment and call one of us.

Fee and Insurance Charges - For office visits and surgery are determined by the complexity of the problems. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to discuss our fees. We will directly bill your insurance company unless you prefer to handle it yourself. We accept most insurance however at this time we DO NOT accept the following plans; Medicare, Medicaid/DSHS, United Health Care, and Aetna HMO, Group Health, Basic Health Plan. We DO accept all other Aetna plans. Insurance plans cover varying percentages of your medical and surgical costs and you may be responsible for any amount not covered by your plan.

Prescriptions- In general, medicines are not prescribed over the phone without prior office evaluation of the medical condition. Some prescriptions can be renewed by telephone, but ONLY during office hours. Since our office staff cannot renew prescriptions without the doctor's confirmation, please call us before going to the pharmacy. Please have the pharmacy's name and phone number available when calling in your request. Generally we will ask you to give us 24 hours to phone in your refill prescription. BalancingHealth Bothell

Surgery- Surgical procedures are performed at either Evergreen Hospital or Evergreen Surgical center. Balancing Health Bothell

Telephone Calls - The telephone is an important means of communication. Answering questions about your health concerns is our job. Appointments and reporting of some laboratory results are readily handled over the telephone by one of our staff. However, a telephone call can never replace an office visit. Unless there is an emergency, our immediate accessibility by phone is limited. Your telephone requests will be taken by the staff and a return call made as soon as possible.

Doctor Patient Relationships - These are best when based on mutual understanding and trust. We make a special effort to explain everything to you regarding your condition, medicines, treatment, etc. If you have question or if something is not clear to you, do not hesitate to ask. Our office procedures and medical equipment have been chosen with much thought and care to provide quality medical services in a pleasant, efficient, and friendly atmosphere. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding our services or fees, please tell us so we can better serve you. Balancing Health Bothell

Referrals- Please tell us if another physician has referred you. We will be prompt in sending your doctor our findings. In unusual or complicated problems we may give you better care by requesting the opinion of another physician. At such times we will suggest a consultation with another specialist the consultant will charge his/her usual fee. If you desire another opinion feel free to make this request. We will be happy to suggest several appropriate physicians and provide them with details of your condition. Balancing Health

Laboratory Fees - Sometimes it is necessary to take samples that need laboratory evaluation. The lab does all billing and questions about bills should be directed to the lab.

Confidentiality /Information- Medical records are strictly private. You may ask to see and copy your records. However no information regarding your condition will be given to anyone including your employer friend or relatives without your written consent. The only exception to this is when we are compelled or required to release information by law.

Patient Education - Everyone on our staff is dedicated to patient education. We have pamphlets on dozens of GYN topics and other women's health issues. We can also recommend books/other materials to assist you in your desire to heal and be whole.

Pride - We take great pride in providing you with the best possible care. Any member of the staff is available to listen to your comments and suggestions concerning how we may improve that care. Please make all suggestions you feel are appropriate.

Balancing Health Bothell