Practice Policies

At Bluestem Family Medical, we are committed to providing compassionate, relationship-centered care for patients ages 5 and older. These policies help ensure efficient scheduling, clear communication, and a positive experience for every patient.

Appointments & Scheduling

Appointments are encouraged to ensure adequate time for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. Same-day appointments may be available for urgent medical concerns based on provider availability.

Patients arriving late may be asked to reschedule if there is insufficient time remaining to safely provide care. Patients are asked to arrive:

• 15 minutes early for established patient visits
• 30 minutes early for new patient appointments

Cancellation & No-Show Policy

We kindly request at least 24 business hours’ notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Missed appointments or repeated late cancellations may result in a missed appointment fee when permitted by law and may affect future scheduling availability. We understand emergencies occur and encourage patients to contact our office as soon as possible when circumstances arise.

Insurance, Self-Pay & Financial Responsibility

Payment is due at the time services are rendered unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Bluestem Family Medical accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and other participating insurance programs. Coverage varies by plan and carrier. Patients are responsible for:

• Co-payments
• Deductibles
• Co-insurance amounts
• Non-covered services
• Any balance determined to be patient responsibility by the insurance carrier

Services That May Not Be Covered by Insurance

Certain services may not be covered by insurance or may require self-pay, including:

• Medical marijuana evaluations and certifications
• Weight management programs and medications not covered by insurance
• Certain forms, letters, or administrative services
  Select preventive, wellness, or elective services not deemed medically necessary by an insurance carrier

Good Faith Estimates

Under federal law, uninsured and self-pay patients have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of medical services. Patients may request a Good Faith Estimate before receiving care.

New Patients

Prior to your first appointment, you may be asked to complete:

• New patient registration forms
• Medical history information
• Medication lists
• Insurance verification documentation

Please bring:

• A valid photo ID
• Current insurance card
• Medication list
• Relevant medical records, if available

Prescription Refill Policy

Prescription refill requests should be submitted through your pharmacy whenever possible. Please allow up to 72 business hours for routine refill requests. Certain medications may require:

• Follow-up appointments
• Laboratory monitoring
• Periodic clinical reassessment

Controlled substances are prescribed in accordance with federal and Oklahoma law and accepted medical standards.

Communication & Patient Portal

Patients are encouraged to use the patient portal for routine communication, medication refill requests, appointment requests, and administrative questions. Portal messages and phone calls are reviewed during normal business hours. Please do not use the patient portal for urgent or emergency medical concerns, call 911 where appropriate.

After-Hours & Emergency Care

Bluestem Family Medical is an outpatient clinic and does not provide emergency medical services. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Respectful Environment Policy

Bluestem Family Medical is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Threatening behavior, harassment, discrimination, abusive language, or inappropriate conduct may result in dismissal from the practice when clinically appropriate and legally permissible.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Bluestem Family Medical maintains compliance with HIPAA and all applicable federal and Oklahoma privacy regulations. Patient information is kept confidential and disclosed only as permitted by law or authorized by the patient. Additional privacy notices and patient rights information are available upon request.