Office Policies

Our New Patient/Insurance Policies

Because we are specialists and will only be treating your endocrine condition, it is important we coordinate your medical care with your primary care physician (PCP) sometimes called your family doctor. You must be referred to Lucas Research by your PCP. You do not need a referral if you are participating in research.

Lucas Research does not participate with all health insurances. Currently, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, TriCare and Medicare, but this list is subject to change. We are sorry but we do not currently accept MedCost.

If you are a current patient and have a change in insurance please call us or email us at admin@LucasResearch.org with your new insurance information before your next appointment to inform us of this change.

However, if you wish to participate in clinical research, no referral is required and we do not file insurance.

Billing

Lucas Research accepts cash and personal checks as well as the following credit cards:

• Visa

• MasterCard

• American Express

• Discover

Payment of your copay or existing balance is expected each office visit. If you need to make payment arrangements, please let the front desk know.

Appointments/Cancellations

With the exception of serious emergencies, it is expected that you keep all of your appointments. If you need to reschedule an appointment we require 24 hours notice. In such a case, please call our office and arrange for a make-up appointment with one of our patient care coordinators.

If you call and cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment there is no charge. Our waiting list is long and we strive to allow as many patients to see our providers as possible. When a patient cancels we work hard to find a patient on the cancellation list who needs that appointment. When you no-show for an appointment you are depriving someone else the opportunity of medical care. The new patient (and patients not seen in over a year) no-show fee is $50. The regular “recheck” office visit no-show fee is $25.

We do not want your no-show fee, we want you to keep your appointment or call ASAP to make the time available for another patient. No-show fees are donated to diabetes related charities.

Emergencies

If you are experiencing a life threatening, or possibly life threatening situation, please proceed to the nearest emergency room or call 911.