Your first visit to Long Island Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology involves a few special steps so that we can get to know you. To understand what to expect, please read through this page. You'll find all the practical information you
need, such as a
maps & directions
to our office, payment policies and more.
Being well-prepared for your appointment will ensure that the doctor has all of the needed information to provide the best possible care for you. It will also help alleviate any unnecessary anxiety you may be feeling prior to your
first appointment. Educate yourself on your symptoms by reviewing the content on this Web site. There's also background information about our committed
staff
and our first visit procedures. You can also save time by completing information in advance of your appointment, electronic registration is available. Please contact our office for links to these secure forms.
Mission Statement
Committed to providing comprehensive dermatologic care with compassion.
Patient Forms
Secure patient information forms can be sent you via e-mail.
Map and Directions
What To Expect
We look forward to your first visit.
Staff-
Dr. Sherer has carefully chosen qualified, compassionate, and experienced members to join his staff. Your calls will be handled timely, professionally and confidentially. Our phone staff is capable, experienced and can handle most
calls without delays in routing to other parties.
Appointments-
All patients are seen by appointment only. We take care to try to keep on schedule and ask that you be prompt as well. We require 24 hours notice to cancel appointments. Missed appointments without proper notification will be
subject to a $50.00 missed appointment fee.
Office Visits-
On your first visit you will be asked to produce your insurance identification card, photo identification (i.e. your driver's license) and you will be asked to complete forms that include a medical history so please bring a list of
all medications you are currently taking (both orally and on the skin).
To ensure proper care for our patients, we verify and update your demographic and medical history annually. In addition, please notify our staff immediately if there are any changes in your name, insurance coverage, responsible
party information or address and phone numbers at any time.
Skin Exams-
Dr. Sherer recommends yearly total body skin exams for most patients. Patients with certain skin types and additional risk factors are encouraged to have skin exams at shorter intervals. Early detection and treatment is key to
treating early skin cancers that could develop into something more serious or even life threatening.
Pharmacy Calls-
It is important for Dr. Sherer to monitor you and your prescription medicines. Prescriptions are usually given with refills and a follow-up visit to check your progress is necessary before any additional refills can be given. Please
monitor your medications and schedule a convenient appointment before you run out. You may call our office any time to request refills in the event you have run out of a needed medication. If we are unable to authorize a refill over
the phone we will gladly set you up with an appointment to see Dr. Sherer to expedite your request.
Emergencies-
Outside of office hours, we have a 24 hour answering service that is able to reach Dr. Sherer or a covering doctor should the need arise. Patients with life threatening conditions are urged to seek immediate attention by dialing 911
or proceeding to your nearest emergency room.
Financial Policies-
Payment is required for all services at the time they are rendered including co-payments and any outstanding balances. If you are unable to pay the copayment at the time of service your appointment will be rescheduled for you.
Please understand that you are financially responsible for all services rendered and for the following reasons: If : 1) You do not have a proper referral at the time of service 2)Your referral is invalid/expired 3)You have given
incorrect/invalid insurance information 4) Expenses are not covered by your insurance company 5) You have not met your deductible 6) The services rendered are not deemed medically unnecessary by your insurance company (This applies to
present and future visits).
A $20.00 fee for bounced checks will be added to your account and non-urgent appointments will be rescheduled until balances are paid in full. We make every effort to keep your account current and in good standing. In the
event your account must be turned over to collections, a $25.00 collection fee will be added to your account.
Privacy Practices-
At Long Island Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology, P.C., we are committed to protecting your privacy. We comply with all federal, state and local laws. Each time you visit our offices, we record your symptoms, physical examination, test
results, diagnosis, and treatment. This information enables us to: plan for your care, communicate with others who care for you, report to your insurance carriers, bill for our work, and improve the quality of your care.
Although your paper chart belongs to our practice, the information contained in the chart is yours. You have the right to inspect your records, obtain a copy of your chart for a small processing fee, correct your records, and tell
us not to release your information to specified parties.
Your health information will be recorded and used to plan your treatment. Reports may be sent to other doctors to help them plan your treatment. Bills will be sent to your insurance company. The information in the bills will include
confidential information such as your name, address, diagnosis, and treatment. In providing your care we may communicate with other individuals or businesses. To protect your privacy, we ask our business associates to safeguard your
information.
We may leave a message at your home, at your business, on your answering machine, or on your voicemail. We may mail you a postcard or other written notice. We may need to disclose your information to your family members or other
people helping with your care. In doing so, we will use our best judgment. If your were injured on the job, we will need to disclose your health information to your workers compensation insurance company.
We may, from time to time, update these policies.
