What to expect at your first visit
We understand that seeing a specialist can feel stressful. At Atlantic Clinic Group, we do things differently: unhurried initial consultations, clear answers, and close coordination with your primary care provider.
Call or Request Online
Call Danielle at our Hazlet desk or submit an appointment request. We check your insurance, confirm whether your plan needs an HMO referral, and find a convenient date.
- Same-day receptionist response
- Insurance eligibility pre-check
- New patient forms emailed or mailed
Bring What You Have
Bring your bottles, recent labs, and home blood pressure machine. We review everything together in the exam room rather than having you fill out repetitive paperwork.
- Interactive checklist below
- In-office home BP cuff validation
- Comprehensive renal drug review
Leave With a Plan
Your physician translates your numbers into plain English and maps out your path forward. You leave with clear next steps, and your primary doctor gets a consult note within 24–48 hours.
- Unhurried 45–60 minute consultation
- Plain-English diagnostic explanations
- Notes faxed to your primary physician
What to bring to your appointment
Check off items as you gather them. Click the print button to print or save a copy for your refrigerator.
Insurance plans we accept
Atlantic Nephrology is an in-network participating provider with traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and major commercial health plans across New Jersey.
| Health Plan / Provider Network | Category | Coverage Notes & Status |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Medicare Part B | Medicare & Public | Standard 80/20 coverage; secondary/supplemental plans accepted |
| NJ Medicaid / NJ FamilyCare | Medicare & Public | Select participating health plans — call front desk to verify |
| Railroad Medicare | Medicare & Public | Direct in-network billing |
| Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey | Commercial | Omnia, EPO, PPO, Direct Access, POS, and Traditional plans |
| Aetna | Commercial | HMO, POS, PPO, Open Choice, Elect Choice |
| Cigna Healthcare | Commercial | Open Access Plus, PPO, HMO, Choice Fund |
| UnitedHealthcare | Commercial | Choice, Choice Plus, Options PPO, Navigate |
| Oxford Health Plans | Commercial | Freedom Network, Liberty Network |
| AmeriHealth New Jersey | Commercial | Regional Preferred, Local Value Network |
| QualCare | Commercial | Comprehensive provider network |
| Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Elevance Health) | Commercial | BlueCard PPO and out-of-state BCBS plans |
| Horizon Medicare Advantage (HMO & PPO) | Medicare Advantage | In-network participating specialist |
| Aetna Medicare Advantage | Medicare Advantage | In-network |
| UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (AARP) | Medicare Advantage | In-network |
| Humana Medicare Advantage | Medicare Advantage | Choice PPO & Gold Plus HMO |
| Clover Health | Medicare Advantage | Participating provider |
| Braven Health | Medicare Advantage | Participating specialist network |
Patient Portal (Healow)
Access your lab records, send non-urgent messages directly to our care team, request prescription refills, and review visit notes anytime from your computer or smartphone.
Pay a Bill Online
Make quick, secure payments online without needing to mail a paper check. Have your statement account number and zip code ready to view and settle your balance.
Save time before you arrive
If you prefer filling out intake paperwork by hand, you can download, print, and bring these forms to your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers for your first consultation with our physicians.
Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
It depends on your insurance. Many PPO plans, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans allow direct specialist access without an insurance referral. However, some HMO plans require an electronic referral from your primary care provider. Our staff will check your benefits for you when you contact us.
How long is my first appointment?
We schedule all new-patient comprehensive evaluations for a full 45 to 60 minutes. This gives Dr. Hozayen or Dr. Awad ample time to thoroughly examine your medical history, inspect all medication bottles, explain your diagnostic numbers on a visual chart, and answer every single question without rushing.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, all actual prescription and over-the-counter medication bottles (or a full list), recent bloodwork or urine test results from the last 6 months, pulmonary function reports or imaging if applicable, and your home blood pressure machine or inhalers.
Can I bring a family member or caregiver to my visit?
Yes, family members and trusted caregivers are always welcome in the consultation and exam room. Managing complex chronic conditions and medications is often a team effort, and having family present helps ensure everyone is informed and supported.