Lighthouse
Family Medicine

      

      OFFICE  POLICIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appointments

​

Visits are by appointment only. However, if you or your child experience a serious illness, I will always try to accommodate walk-ins. Please keep in mind, my office is not set up to be an acute care facility, so, not having an appointment could result in lengthy wait times.

​

I encourage scheduling well-check appointments in advance.

​

If you arrive for your appointment 10 or more minutes late, you will generally need to reschedule. If you anticipate being late, please call to inform me, and I will make every effort to accommodate you promptly.

​

It is not a problem to schedule appointments for more than one child together. However, please inform me of this in advance to avoid potential rescheduling. This helps me stay prepared and on schedule. Not following this guideline is one of the most common reasons why the doctor might “get behind”. 

​

School and work notes for absences can be obtained from the front desk. Please note that these cannot be filled out unless you were seen during the requested time for the note.

​

Waiting Times

 

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that I have the opportunity to see you as close to your appointment time as possible. The later you come, the longer the wait may be. As I am human and unforeseen circumstances may occasionally cause delays, I appreciate your patience during such times.

​

I understand your busy schedule, and I will notify you if I am running behind schedule, making every effort to inform you about the expected wait time. I typically attempt to contact you before your scheduled time if multiple appointments have caused delays. Please ensure you have provided your most accessible phone numbers and updated information for this purpose. This is a courtesy given so you have the option to reschedule or arrive prepared.

​

If you walk in without an appointment, you will be seen on an “emergency work-in basis”. Please be prepared for potentially lengthy wait times. Rest assured, I will do my best to accommodate you promptly. 

 

Payment for Services

 

Payment is due at the time of your visit or when services are rendered. If you have insurance, please be sure I am in your network. I will file your insurance as a service to you. However, you still remain the responsible party for any leftover balance or any lengthy claim problems. I will ask that you help me with your insurance claims if necessary.

​

Claims that your insurance does not pay within 45–60 days remain your responsibility. Please check with your insurance company, as you will be liable for the full amount due if unpaid after 60 days.

​

No secondary insurances are filed unless prior arrangements have been made. You, as the insured, are responsible for knowing your benefits. All insurance companies will help you with this. I will “assist” you as necessary, however, as a small office I am not equipped to research every patient’s benefits. I thank you in advance in your understanding of this policy.

​

If your insurance requires an authorization number or prior authorization for referrals, Lighthouse Family Medicine requires a 72-hour notice to ensure it's obtained before your appointment with the consultant's office. Failure to secure the referral may necessitate rescheduling your appointment, or you may be responsible for the full cost of the specialist visit.

​

Payments may be made with the following:

     - Cash

     - Check (No temporary checks please)

     - All Major Credit Cards

     - Debit Cards (Visa & MasterCard only)

​

I work on good faith and realize there may be unplanned financial difficulties. I am happy to work with you, however, once a payment plan is established, I do expect compliance unless other arrangements have been discussed.

​

For questions regarding payment, finances or insurance, please contact us at (817) 424-3774.

 

FMLA forms require a form to be filled out in advance, and there is a $25 processing fee. These forms can take several days to process.

​

Pain medication protocol

 

 This office does not use the medication hydrocodone for pain medication purposes.

 

Long-term pain medication:

 

     This office does not write chronic narcotic pain medication prescriptions for patients.

 

Short-term pain medication:

 

     For acute pain the maximum number of narcotic pain medication doses shall be             seven days. 

 

​