Frequently Asked Questions

Please make use of the online booking system to make your appointments with Dr. Lukings.  You can find the link on the home page.  Cancellations can also be made through the same system.  If you are an existing patient, and are having difficulty accessing this system, please let us know and we would be happy to grant you access.

Good communication is important.  Feel free to make use of the online messaging centre to communicate with Dr. Lukings between appointments.  You can find the link on the home page.  If you do not have an account, please ask for one at your next appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

In the Niagara Family Health Centre waiting room, you will find an automated check-in kiosk for patients of Dr. Lukings.  Please follow the prompts to check in there.  You will need to bring your health card with you to each appointment for validation.  After completing the check-in process, please make yourself comfortable and Dr. Lukings will come to get you in the reception area as soon as he is able.

In the case of an emergency, please call 911 or visit the Emergency Department closest to you.  If you have an urgent medical issue, you are free to use any Walk-In Clinic.  If you wish to contact Dr. Lukings about an urgent issue, or for any reason between appointments, you can contact him via the online messaging platform (link on home page), or by leaving a voicemail, and he will do his best to reply within 1 business day.

Appointments can be scheduled, canceled and rescheduled by accessing the online booking system.  You can find the link on the home page. Should you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please cancel your appointment online as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. This gives us enough time to schedule other patients who may be waiting for an appointment. If you are unable to cancel your appointment online, you can contact me or leave a voicemail at 905-688-0959. 

• There will be no fee or penalty for appointments canceled with more than 24 hours notice.  

• For appointments canceled with less than 24 hours notice, a nominal $20 administration fee may apply and must be paid prior to rebooking.  Exceptions will be made for emergencies and acute illness.  Please be sure to notify me if this is the case.

• For missed appointments, the same $20 administration fee will apply and must be paid prior to rebooking.  Any upcoming appointments you may have already scheduled will be canceled.  In addition, you may be responsible for part or all of the cost of your visit (from $70 to $220) that would otherwise have been billed to OHIP.

• Multiple no-shows or late cancellations may result in being discharged from the practice, and you would need to find a new family doctor. 

• New patients who miss their initial appointment may not be rebooked.  

We understand that there may be times when an unforeseen emergency occurs and you may not be able to keep your scheduled appointment or notify the office. If this is the case, please contact me and we may be able to waive any fees.