Frequently Asked Questions

Booking appointments by email is preferred.  The email address to do so can be provided to existing patients on request, and is also found in all emailed appointment confirmations. Rescheduling and cancelling appointments can also be easily arranged by email.  

Good communication is important.  Feel free to communicate with Dr. Lukings between appointments by email, however please be aware that email is not a secure method of communication for private health information.  Confidential matters are best saved to be discussed during an appointment.  Communication about scheduling related issues by email are encouraged.  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 email, 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 email. Should you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please cancel your appointment online as soon as possible, and no later than 48 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 by email, you can leave a voicemail at 905-688-0959. 

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• There will be no fee or penalty for appointments canceled with more than 48 hours notice.  

• For appointments canceled with less than 48 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 us if this is the case.

• For missed appointments, the same $20 administration fee may 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 $80 to $240) 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.

You will not be charged for forms and letters that can be completed in your allotted appointment time. 

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Please expect a cost for all forms and letters that are requested between appointments, or that cannot be completed during your appointment.