Frequently Asked Questions

Who operates the Clinic?

The Eleanor Widener Dixon Memorial Clinic is an outpatient clinic of Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, and all members of the Clinic staff are hospital employees. Many of the policies at the Clinic are initiated by the hospital administration and correlate with hospital-wide policies. A very positive aspect of this close connection with the hospital is that our physicians are able to provide continuity of care when a patient is admitted to the hospital. This is not true in many rural communities. At the same time, it should be stressed that the Clinic staff are not obliged to admit a patient to the local hospital and may admit to another hospital when appropriate.

Why do I have to wait so long to see the Doctor?

Sometimes appointments that have been scheduled in advance are delayed for unavoidable reason. Many factors contribute to the delay:

• The presence of Urgent Care at the clinic building (which is unusual in a clinic), means that at any time a provider may be called away to attend to a serious medical situation.
  
• The Clinic’s physicians also provide obstetrical services and perform deliveries. Since babies have their own timetable they tend to arrive at unscheduled and inconvenient times.
  
• Patients needs sometimes contribute to delays by requiring more time than had been anticipated or scheduled. As a result your appointment may be delayed. Please know we will take the time to address all your questions and concerns during your visit.

How can I help cut down on long waits for myself and other patients?

• Schedule separate appointments for all members of your family in advance and inform the receptionist why you and they need to be seen so that an appropriate amount of time can be scheduled for each appointment.
• Come to the Clinic for shots, blood pressure checks, to have your weight checked or to speak with a nurse between 9:00 AM and noon, and 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Avoid anytime before 9:00 AM, after 4:00 PM and during the lunch hour.

We apologize for delays and encourage you to check with the receptionist upon your arrival to see what your approximate waiting time might be. If the wait is more than you are able to accommodate the receptionist will gladly reschedule your appointment for a more convenient time. You are also welcome to call the Clinic before you leave your home to see if your provider is running behind. This may save you unnecessary time waiting in the Clinic for your appointment.

What is the best time to come in for a shot or blood pressure check?

The best time to come in for a shot, blood pressure check, weight check or to speak with a nurse would be from 9:00 AM to noon and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. These are times when we have more than one nurse scheduled and so your waiting time should be less than if you came before 9:00 AM, after 4:00 PM or during the lunch hour.

What rules apply to seeing minor children?

State law requires that a legal guardian give permission (by way of signature) for a minor child (under 18) to be seen. If you have made arrangements for someone other than the child's legal guardian to bring them to an appointment, please write a note to the Clinic with the day's date and your signature giving your child permission to be seen that day.