Policies

At Lone Star Kids Care, we believe that every family deserves a trusted healthcare partner who listens, educates, and works alongside them to make the best decisions for their child.

We understand that decisions regarding vaccines and medical treatments are important and personal. Our goal is not only to provide exceptional medical care, but also to ensure that families feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the decision-making process.

Our providers follow the recommendations and guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and are committed to providing families with accurate, evidence-based information regarding vaccines and other medical treatments. We believe that informed decisions are made through open communication, mutual respect, and a strong partnership between families and their healthcare team.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools available to help protect children from serious illness. We encourage families to discuss any questions or concerns they may have with their provider. We are committed to serving as a trusted source of information and will provide education from reputable medical sources so that families can make informed decisions regarding their child's health.

We recognize that every family has unique circumstances, concerns, and priorities. While we will always provide our medical recommendations based on current evidence and best practices, we also believe in working collaboratively with families to develop a plan that feels appropriate for their individual situation.

For families who are interested in an alternative vaccine schedule, our providers are happy to discuss available options and help develop a plan that provides the greatest level of protection possible while addressing the family's concerns. Our goal is to ensure that parents feel comfortable, informed, and confident in the healthcare decisions they make for their children.

Lone Star Kids Care does not dismiss families solely because they choose to delay or decline vaccinations. We respect the right of parents and guardians to make healthcare decisions for their children. However, because some of our patients may be immunocompromised, medically fragile, too young to be fully vaccinated, or following modified vaccine schedules, additional precautions may occasionally be necessary.

To help protect all patients within our practice, unvaccinated children or those who are significantly behind on recommended immunizations may be asked to follow a modified scheduling process during certain types of visits or periods of increased community illness. These measures are intended to reduce unnecessary exposures and help ensure the safety of all children and families entrusted to our care.

Above all, our commitment is to partner with families, provide compassionate and evidence-based medical care, and support parents as they make informed decisions regarding their child's health and well-being.

Efficiency through the use of technology

You will be encouraged to consult our website, register for and use our patient portal, and effectively use automated reminders for appointments and for routine care/immunizations that are due.

Everyone's Time is Equally Valuable.

We ask that you arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. We understand sometimes things happen beyond your control that may cause you to be late. However, we reserve the right to ask you to reschedule if you arrive late for your appointment.

Our practice makes every effort to run on time with appointments, as we believe everyone’s time is equally valuable.

Upcoming Appointments Via Phone/Text Message/Email

Missed Appointments: Broken appointments represent a cost to us, to you, and to other patients who could have been seen in the time set aside for you. We reserve the right to charge a fee for canceled or missed appointments. We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of appointments.

A fee may be charged for a second missed appointment. The third consecutive missed appointment will result in discharge from the practice.

For new patients, a fee may be charged if the FIRST appointment is missed.

We work hard to not overuse antibiotics.

We educate families on appropriate use of antibiotics, but follow evidence-based guidelines and don’t automatically treat ear pain or a green snotty nose with antibiotics.

We do not routinely prescribe antibiotics over the phone as we do not believe that is good medicine. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment.