Frequently Asked Questions

Office phone: 817-465-7400

Office fax: 817-704-7057

Office email: clinic@dfwinternalmed.com

If you are a first-time patient, call 817.465.7400 or click HERE to book an appointment. If you are a returning patient, please call 817.465.7400.

2207 Michigan Avenue

Arlington TX 76013

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM 

Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

A physician is on-call all other times. To make an appointment or to speak to a DFW Internal Medicine Clinic staff, call us at 817.465.7400. If you have a medical emergency, please go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Some examples of emergencies are:

• Bleeding that will not stop
• Severe burns
• Severe dehydration
• Broken bones protruding through the skin
• Severe headaches (with no known cause)
• Convulsions
• Suspected heart attack or stroke
• Poisoning
• Trauma

Your PCP at DFW Internal Medicine Clinic can treat acute problems such as coughs, flu, sore throats, stomachache, sprains, and other common medical complaints. When you are sick, please call 817.465.7400 to schedule an appointment or to check on the availability of a walk-in visit.   

If you have a medical emergency, please go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

We accept most major health insurance and managed-care plans. We also provide care to patients without insurance on a self-pay basis. Please familiarize yourself with your insurance plan and benefits, especially with regard to co-pay, referrals, and emergency care. Be sure to bring your health insurance card and your co-pay with you to every appointment. If you are a new patient, a valid ID is required for identification.  

On your first visit, you will meet your physician, recount your medical history and other information, and have a physical exam.

• Please bring a list of any medications you are taking, including list of over-the-counter and herbal preparations.
• A family member or caregiver is always welcome to come with you. Remember, however, that your physician may ask very personal questions.
• It is important that you answer these questions honestly and fully as the answers may have important implications for your care.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment necessary to register and complete new patient paperwork.

Allow 7 days for prescription refills. Call the pharmacy where you filled the prescription; the pharmacy will send a request to your PCP for a new authorization if you do not have any refills remaining. Please call your pharmacy promptly or our office at 817-465-7400 before you run out of your medication.

Yes, most Health Insurance Plans require referrals from your primary care physician (PCP) before you can see a specialist. Your primary care physician coordinates your care and receives specialty care reports. You do not need to complete any paperwork, but it is essential that you first discuss the need for a specialist with your PCP.  

Exceptions include:

OB/GYN: Women who are pregnant or in need of their yearly well-women exams may book appointments with an OB/GYN directly.

Audiology: People can book their own hearing exams.

Optometry: People can call directly to book eye exams.

Chiropractor: People can call directly to book an appointment with a chiropractor’s office.  

Laboratory results are sent to the doctor who requested your laboratory test. Most lab results are posted on the patient portal. Often, you will receive a call from the nurse. If not, you may contact our office to request the results if the lab was ordered by your PCP at DFW Internal Medicine Clinic. 

Patient portal is secure, and it is a free service to our patients. Once you create a secure login, you will have access to many features you need to manage your healthcare. Some of the things available to our patients in the portal include:

Direct communication with the doctor via a Message menu.  

Access to your medical history and records at any time.

Prescription refill request. 

Schedule an office appointment. 

Access to educational materials. 

Access to your lab and diagnostic test results.

Access to your visit summaries and notes from the doctor. 

You can do your lab work in any approved Laboratory near you. The clinic nurse will usually discuss the available options with you and advise you of the lab location where your lab work is being sent.  

Doctors of Internal Medicine focus on general adult medicine. They care for patients from the teen years through old age. Internists have special training that focuses on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases.

Your primary care physician (PCP) is your partner for health and through the health care system. He or she will educate, advise, and guide you with all of your health care needs. Your PCP can be a doctor of Internal Medicine or a nurse practitioner who focuses on primary care. Having a PCP is important because he or she can determine when you need to see a specialist, help you find the right specialist, and coordinate all of your care. Many health care insurers require a referral from your PCP before you can see a specialist.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine have a more holistic approach to medicine with a strong preventive medicine component. They complete a four-year medical education program like MDs, and then enter the same internship and residency programs. Some DOs also perform osteopathic manipulation of the spine.  DOs and MDs are alike in many ways:

• Applicants to both DO and MD medical colleges typically have four-year undergraduate degrees with an emphasis on scientific courses.
• Both DOs and MDs complete four years of basic medical education.
• After medical school, both DOs and MDs obtain graduate medical education through such programs as internships and residencies.
• Both DOs and MDs can choose to practice in any specialty area of medicine-such as pediatrics, family practice, psychiatry, surgery or obstetrics.
• DOs and MDs must pass comparable examinations to obtain state licenses.
• DOs and MDs both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine have a more holistic approach to medicine with a strong preventive medicine component. DOs receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system-your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones. Osteopathic manipulative treatment is incorporated into the training and practice of osteopathic physicians.

A physician assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a licensed health professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician.

No. Submitting an application for immigration to the United States requires applicant to undergo a physical exam with an approved physician authorized by the USCIS. At DFW Internal Medicine Clinic, Dr. Petua Okolo is a designated Civil Surgeon authorized to perform Immigration physical examinations on applicants.