Important Insurance Information

At Lakeside Dermatology, we accept most major insurances, and will file claims on your behalf. However, we cannot guarantee payment. It is your responsibility to call your insurance company to make sure our office is in your network, and that you are covered for the services you’ll receive from us. You’re also responsible for all authorizations and referrals from your insurance and primary care providers, if your insurance requires one.

You are responsible to know your copayment, co-insurance, and deductible amounts. You are responsible for all payments not covered by your insurance company, and we expect payment at the time of visit unless otherwise approved by our billing department.

Some of the accepted Insurances include:

• AARP Medicare Complete PPO/HMO (HMO does require referrals please see bottom of page)
• AETNA
• Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO/HMO
• Cigna
• Tricare Select
• Tricare for Life
• Golden Rule UHC
• Great West
• Humana Choice 
• Medicare
• Medicare Advantage
• Most Medicare supplement policies
• NY Government — Empire State
• Pyramid
• R/R Medicare
• Secure Horizon
• United Healthcare
• And more — call today

We DO NOT accept:

•   Medicaid or any Medicaid replacement policies.
•   Multiplan
•   First Health
•   Humana Gold Plus 
•   Humana Premier
•   Humana Honor

If ever unsure if we are In Network with your insurance, The best way to know is to call the number on the back of your insurance card and they will let you know if we are in network with your plan. 

We also accept:

• Cash
• Personal Checks

• Visa
• MasterCard

• Discover
• American Express

• CareCredit
• Debit

HMO Plans Do tend to require an Insurance referral so please have that sent to the office BEFORE scheduling any appointments: 

What is a referral?

A referral or an authorization is issued by the patient’s Primary Care Physician (PCP) for the patient to visit a specialist. A PCP can be a family doctor, internist, or pediatrician.

How do I know if I need a referral? Do I need a referral to see an Dermatologist?

You need a referral only if your insurance company requires you to have one. Typically HMO plans require a referral/authorization, however the best way to know for sure is to contact your insurance company before you make an appointment with a specialist. The phone number is located on the back of your insurance card. Some insurance cards state on the card whether or not you need a referral/authorization.

How do I get a referral?

If you are at your PCP’s office and they are referring you to see us, be sure to get the referral coordinator’s name so you can obtain your referral. Otherwise you would need to contact your PCP and tell them that you need a referral for your visit.

How does my referral get from my PCP to the Dermatologist office?

You should have your PCP fax your Insurance referral directly to us at (863)-385-0088 at least a 2 Weeks prior to an appointment. If you have a copy please also bring it with you to your appointment.

What happens if I don’t have a referral the day of my appointment?

Unfortunately, if your insurance company requires a referral and you do not have one, they will not pay the claim for your visit and the patient or patient’s parents will be responsible for the bill. Therefore, we cannot see the patient without a referral, unless they sign a referral waiver and agree to pay in full at the time of service.

Do I have to get a referral every time I come see a specialist?

Every referral has an expiration date and number of allowed visits. If you need to come back to the specialist after the expiration date or for more than the specified number of visits, you will need another referral from your PCP. For example, the referral may be good for one year but only allows two visits; therefore, if you need to see the specialist for a third visit, you will need another referral.