Search

Clinic Principles and Policies (updated September 2024)

  • Philosophy: We work together to optimize your wellbeing in alignment with your values. I provide excellent primary care as well as look for the root cause of any health problem whenever possible, which typically involves lifestyle choices. For now, I work with limited staff so we can have a direct relationship and keep my costs reasonable. That means I will also help you navigate the medical system and advocate for yourself.
    ​
  • What to call me: You can call me Dr. Lubinski, Dr. L, or Dr. Lissa. My last name sounds like “Loo-BIN-skee.” My first name sounds like “Melissa” without the “Me.”

  • Communication: The best way to communicate and solve health problems is during scheduled visits with me. For any questions/concerns between visits, text my clinic number. I do not work with staff and have limited ability to return phone calls outside of scheduled visits. This includes calls from pharmacies, labs, other clinics, which often need to clarify something I have already completed on your behalf. If this happens, I may ask you to contact the facility with the question, so you can find out what is needed from me, and I can address it promptly.

    HIPAA-compliant texting is available through the Spruce Health app at no extra cost. Text messages are typically answered within 1 week. Response time also varies with inclement weather, school closures, community health outbreaks, and family illness. I notify my patients as quickly as possible if such delays are expected. Whenever you contact me, if you do not get a response when you expect to, it is your responsibility to contact me again.

    A very important way to learn updates in my clinic and updates on important health issues is through my emailed newsletters. 

  • Visits: Visits are scheduled by self-booking through your patient portal (see below), or by me. In your patient portal, you can self-book 30- and 45-minute visits. You can choose between in person visits or telehealth visits. All other visit types, including lab draws and visits longer than 45 minutes, are booked by me.
    • When you have a scheduled visit, you will always receive an automated appointment reminder by email or text (or both). If you do not receive a reminder, you do not have an appointment in my schedule. Please do not walk in to my clinic without an appointment, because I am either taking care of another patient, or I am out of the office.
    • Please cancel visits 24 hours in advance to allow for other patients to be seen. This is easy to do by selecting “Cancel” when you get an automated visit reminder. Otherwise, feel free to text me and I’ll take care of it.

  • Patient Portal: Once you become a patient, you will have access to your private patient portal, which is called Elation Patient Passport. You can book appointments as described above. I can share health information with you through your Patient Passport. Your Patient Passport is not for messaging me about medical problems because this does not result in better or faster care. For any questions or new medical problems, schedule an appointment.

  • Emergencies:  Call 911 or go to the nearest ER. You may alert me so I can help the doctors with your care. If you ever experience thoughts of self-harm, call Peninsula Behavioral Health at 360-457-0431 or Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

  • Urgent Issues:  I cannot guarantee urgent care services, though I do my best to address unplanned illness/injury when it comes up. You may need to seek urgent care at another facility at times, such as a local walk-in clinic. If you have a non-emergency medical problem that cannot wait until the following weekday, please call and press 1 to leave an urgent voicemail with a typical response time of 3 hours. For health reasons, I do not answer or return phone calls  or messages between 9 PM and 6 AM.  

  • Medication Refills:  We take medications to treat health problems, and health problems are addressed at scheduled visits. I ensure each medication has refills to get us to the next time we need a visit for the problem that medication is treating. If your prescription bottle has no more refills on it, it’s time to schedule a visit. To avoid medication errors, I do not refill requests from pharmacies.

  • Controlled Substances: Long-term controlled substances for pain or anxiety are typically not prescribed. Buprenorphine is an exception to this policy. Long-term use of controlled substances requires a signed Patient Agreement and periodic urine drug testing unless the situation involves end-of-life care. Long-term opioid prescribing will usually require a consult with, or transfer of pain management to, a pain specialist.

  • Medical Records:  Please request your records to be faxed to me at 360-775-2125 from previous doctors and all specialists you see. Medical record request forms are available at any medical facility and on my website under the tab for Current Patients.

  • Paperwork:  Letters, forms, and other paperwork required for work, school, disability, or legal purposes will be completed together at a scheduled visit to ensure accuracy.

  • Prior Authorizations:  When an insurance company, to save money, does not cover a test or medication, they require a “prior authorization.” This process requires the doctor to take extra clerical steps to defend their medical decision, taking the time that 2 or 3 clinic visits would take.  Once the doctor goes through the process, the insurance company may still “deny” the test or medication. When they “authorize” the order, they may allow it to count toward the deductible and still not even pay for the test or medication!

    To optimize my availability to my patients, this practice does not engage in the authorization process.  I will help you identify the most cost-effective way to get the care your insurance company won’t cover, or refer you to a specialist. In some cases, I can help you complete the authorization process on your behalf.

    I feel honored to work with you and appreciate the trust you place in our relationship! 
    - Lissa Lubinski MD

Access to your patient portal: Elation Passport

Picture
When you join this practice, you will have unlimited access to your own health record through the patient portal called Elation Passport. Once you are invited to log on for the first time, you will have the ability to log in (and reset your password) anytime you want. Through Elation Passport, you can self-book appointments, review your health information, and receive messages from Dr. L about your test results. This patient portal is private and follows the HIPAA laws for privacy of patient health information. Secure zoom connection through a booked appointment in Elation is the main way that video visits take place. 

How do I contact Dr. Lubinski? 

  • The best way to connect with Dr. Lubinski is through a scheduled an appointment. For issues that come up between appointments, a text message to the clinic at 360-406-5220 is the best way to engage. Dr. L is training limited staff to improve response times and help with scheduling appointments. Texting the clinic is still typically the best way to proceed. You are welcome to leave a voicemail at any time by calling and pressing 2, and your call will be returned by a staff member within 2-3 business days.   
  • Medical questions, problems, and prescriptions are addressed in visits (in person or telehealth). You can book your visit through your Elation Passport, or you can call/text to request a visit.
  • For an urgent health problem (response needed same day), CALL and press 1 for an urgent message, so Dr. L can address your need as quickly as possible. 

Documents for the Practice
Proudly powered by Weebly