Governor Greg Abbott announced that he is lifting the statewide mask mandate and allowing businesses to open up at 100%, effective March 10th. Because of the continuing risk of transmission of COVID, Laredo Premier Healthcare is choosing to continue to follow CDC guidelines and enforce the wearing of face masks in our facility. All employees, patients, and visitors to our office will be required to wear a face mask. In addition, we will continue to observe social distancing.

We believe this is the prudent course of action until more of the population has been vaccinated and the threat of COVID exposure has been lessened. Thank you for your cooperation as we strive to maintain a high standard of responsibility for the health of our patients and staff. 

- The Laredo Premier Healthcare Team 

Laredo Premier Healthcare now has 2 options for COVID-19 testing. The first is the test we have been offering for some time, a “PCR” test that is run by a reference lab with a cash price of $175 per test with results taking a few days to return. Our newer option is an “antigen” test, the same one used by the state labs, that is run in our clinic with a cash price of $90 with results ready the same day. It is a more cost-effective option with 96.7% accuracy.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (also known as the CARES Act) requires that providers of COVID-19 diagnostic tests post the cash price of the tests on their websites during the public health emergency. Posting the cash price fulfills an obligation under Section 3202(b) of the CARES Act and is not a recommendation that individuals be tested. If you have any questions about whether your should be tested, please contact us.

Please note this is the cash for COVID diagnostic testing. Your insurance plan may cover such testing, in which case the lab services provider will handle billing your insurance and you will not pay Laredo Premier Healthcare for your test. Under certain other state and federal requirements, insurance plans may be required to waive certain cost-sharing requirements, prior authorization, or other medical management requirements. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage please contact your insurance plan to verify cost or coverage of services.

For all our patients

As part of our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality medical care, we are expanding our services to include telemedicine to maintain the safe social distance that is so necessary in combating the spread of Covid-19.  By allowing us to come directly into your home or workplace, we can accomplish a number of healthcare goals that would otherwise be very difficult in these times. We value the safety of all our patients and staff and are determined to safeguard their wellbeing.  With our telemedicine services, you can have a private consultation with one of our dedicated clinicians and achieve an appropriate alternative for medical care during this time of crisis. 

As you are well aware, hospitals and health care facilities all over the world are overwhelmed due to the demands of this pandemic.  Providing telemedicine allows us to keep our clinical staff safe so that they may continue in their mission of providing care to you, your family, and all those we serve.

We are all in this together.  We must all do our part to overcome this challenge and we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to continue to bring you the same compassionate and high quality care you have always expected from all providers at Laredo Premier Healthcare.  We thank you for your support and are looking forward to serving you in the office via our telemedicine service.

There are some common questions that we would like to answer for you at this time.

#1.  Can I still see my doctor in the office?

Yes, we are still available during our regular business hours.  But in order to protect our community, our patients, and our dedicated staff, we would like those visits to be on a limited basis.  Please call the office if you have any concerns and the decision of what the best method is will be discussed with you.  Rest assured however that all our clinicians are available to see you via our telemedicine services. Our exam rooms and surface areas are thoroughly cleaned between each patient contact. Patients are brought into the exam room directly from their vehicle in most cases and are bypassing the waiting area. Some providers are also seeing sick patients in their vehicle and doing some screening tests there if needed and appropriate.

#2.  Does my insurance cover telemedicine?

Yes, telemedicine visits are covered by nearly all major insurance companies including Medicare and Medicare advantage plans.  Your co-pay will still apply and that will be discussed with you at the time your appointment is set up. Phone payments are acceptable. There is no additional cost however to telemedicine consultations. 

Also we understand that financial difficulty may arise in these times. Discuss with your provider on any difficulties with your co-pays. 

#3. Do I need special equipment for telemedicine visit?

No, no special equipment is needed.  The best telemedicine visit would be through an electronic device having a camera, microphone and access to the Internet.  This can be done using a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or computer by accessing a link that will be provided to you before your visit.  However, recent exemptions in the regulations on how telemedicine visits can be done have also waived this requirement and they can be done via telephone.

#4.  What do I need to do to prepare for a telemedicine visit?

It is recommended to gather information for our staff and providers to provide the best possible care. 

First of all, please have with you a list of current medications you are taking regardless of where you obtained these. 

Secondly, any other pertinent information you have including your current weight, other vital signs such as temperature, pulse and blood pressure as well as blood sugar measurements should be readily available. 
Any other logs you have would also be helpful.

#5.  For what reason can I be seen via telemedicine?

A telemedicine visit can be used for simple things such as coughs and colds but also for complicated things such as diabetes and health disease.  Also any health screening including Medicare wellness visits and hospital follow-ups can be done via telemedicine as well as referrals when necessary.

**If you have not already done so, please access the patient portal in order to view your tests results and for communicating with us as well. Our staff can assist you with this.  **

Please expect other changes in our practice as the situation calls for.                                                                                         

Visit our webpage, www.lphmedical.com, or our facebook page at Laredo Premier Healthcare, PLLC as well.

Thank you for continuing to trust us in taking care of you in the most safe and efficient manner.

"The enemy comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
 but I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance.”  

(Paraphrase of Jesus’ quote in John 10:10)

Laredo Premier Healthcare

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