Clinic Principles and Policies (updated February 2023)
Partnership: I partner with you and approach you as a whole person. I expect you to be engaged in your health and open to considering all aspects that affect your wellbeing.
People often ask 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.”
Appointments are 30-60 minutes, giving us ample time. You can also self-book on Elation Passport.
Please cancel/reschedule visits 24 hours in advance to allow space for other patients to be seen.
Communication: The safest, most effective way to take care of a medical problem or prescription is in a visit (in person or telehealth). For non-urgent, simple medical questions, you may use the secure patient portal, Elation Passport. I check messages weekly on Wednesdays. Voicemails and text messages are answered by my Office Manager within 1-2 business days. Response times vary with inclement weather, school closures, or family illness. You will be notified as quickly as possibly if such delays are expected. Whenever you contact the practice, if you don’t get a response when you expect to, it is your responsibility to contact us again.
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, please 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. If you have a non-emergency medical problem that cannot wait until the following weekday, please call and press 1 to leave an urgent voice mail with a typical response time within 3 hours. I will do my best to address your concern. There may be times when you need seek urgent care at another facility.
Medication Refills: For your safety, medications are refilled at clinic visits only. If you are running out of a medication, please schedule a visit. I do not refill medications based on pharmacy refill requests.
Controlled Substances: Long-term controlled substances for pain or anxiety are typically not prescribed. Buprenorphine-naloxone 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.
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 (https://www.lissalubinskimd.com/current-patients.html).
Paperwork: Letters, forms and other paperwork required for work, school, disability purposes or legal purposes will be completed together at a scheduled visit to ensure this is completed accurately.
Prior Authorizations: This happens when insurance, in order to save money, does not pay for a test or medication. Prior authorizations will be attempted by us, but it may take 2 or more weeks to be attempted. Even when a physician/clinic staff performs a prior authorization, your insurance may still deny payment. If that happens, we can discuss alternative ways of getting the test or medication you need in the most affordable way possible.
Access to your patient portal: Elation Passport
When you join this practice, you will have unlimited access to your own health record through the patient portal called Elation Passport. You will be invited initially, and after you've set up a log on, you will have the ability to log in (and reset your password) anytime you want. Through Elation Passport, you can self-book appointements, message Dr. Lubinski, and receive messages from Dr. Lubinski about your test results. This patient portal is private and follows the HIPAA laws for privacy of patient health information. Elation Passport messages are checked weekly on Wednesdays.
How do I contact Dr. Lubinski?
You can call or text us anytime. Messages will be answered by my Office Manager within 1-2 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.
You can use Elation Passport for non-urgent health-related communication with Dr. Lissa. Messages are checked weekly on Wednesdays.
For an urgent health problem (response needed same day), CALL and press 1 for an urgent message, so we can address your need as quickly as possible.