Early-Bird Time is at 8:00 AM Monday through Friday except holidays. No appointment is necessary, but you must be signed in no later than 8:15 AM. This time is set aside for minor illnesses and problems -- it is not the time for major or long, involved issues. It is managed on a first-come, first-served

basis, except emergencies, and we try to have you on your way to work, or your child on the way to school as soon as possible. 

For long, or involved issues, we suggest making an appointment, so we can set aside an appropriate amount of time for your visit. If we try to take care of such problems during Early-Bird Time, we either cannot give it the appropriate time or need to keep all other Early-Bird patients waiting for

a prolonged period.

The number of patients arriving for Early-Bird Time varies depending on the season, and during "epidemics", the number can be quite large. We now have one physician and one nurse-practitioner each morning, doubling the professional staff available to see patients -- but on some mornings, when the list is long, the wait may also be long. If you arrive, and the list is long, you may choose to make an appointment for later in the day, rather than spend the time waiting.

We also do simple lab testing in the morning -- if you arrive during Early-Bird time just for a throat culture or a urine test, or need to see the nurse, please let the receptionist know.

We are always in search of ways of improving service, including Early-Bird Time. If you have any suggestions, please write them down and give them to us, and we would be happy to consider them.