For referring clinics & providers

We welcome referrals for inflammatory arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune disease, gout and osteoporosis. Please fax referrals to 713-554-2246.

• Please include: patient demographics and insurance, reason for referral, recent progress notes, and labs (ANA, RF, anti-CCP, ESR/CRP, uric acid) or imaging if available.
• Urgent concerns (for example, suspected giant cell arteritis or a lupus flare with organ involvement): call (713) 588-1674 and let our staff know the referral is urgent.
• HMO plans require a valid referral from the patient’s primary care physician on file before the first visit and for every visit after that. Please send updated referrals before the current one expires.
• VA Community Care referrals: we are an in-network TriWest VA-CCN provider. Please fax the approved VA referral/authorization with clinical notes to 713-554-2246. Our staff will contact the veteran to schedule.

Once we receive the referral and records, our staff will contact the patient to schedule. Appointments are scheduled by our staff only.

For patients

Dear Patient, we are so glad you are considering us for your rheumatologic care. Please note these important reminders to ensure a smooth scheduling process. Appointments are scheduled by our staff — once your forms and records are in, we will call or text you.

Before your first visit

1. All new patient forms and consents must be completed before we can offer an appointment. You can fill them out through the Register and complete new patient forms link below.
2. We need the last progress note, labs and imaging from your PCP/referring physician and any prior rheumatology records before scheduling your appointment.
3. Please let us know if you were a patient of Dr. Bose at Rheumatology Center of Houston so we can obtain your medical records. You will need to complete the Release of Medical Records form below.
4. If you are a UTMB, Methodist or Memorial Hermann patient, please let us know so we can obtain your records. (We will need your name and date of birth to access your records from these institutions.)
5. If your doctor sends us a referral, please make sure we get your last progress note and any recent labs and imaging.

Insurance & payment

• We accept most commercial and Medicare Advantage insurance plans, plus TRICARE and TriWest VA-CCN. Please text or call to confirm your plan, and see the full list of insurance we accept below.
• HMO plans: you must have a valid referral from your primary care physician on file at all times. Keeping your referral current is your responsibility, and you will be responsible for any claims denied because of a missing or expired referral.
• We are non-participating (non-par) with Medicare.
• We do not currently accept Medicaid, Ambetter (as primary insurance), workers’ compensation or motor vehicle accident claims.
• We also welcome self-pay patients: $300 for new patient visits and $200 for follow-ups, in person or by telehealth. See self-pay options.
• We accept credit or debit cards only. We do not currently accept checks or cash.
• We offer in-person and telehealth appointments. Video visits are available anywhere in Texas. Many insurance plans cover telehealth; call us to check yours, or see our self-pay rates.
• We charge a $100 fee for missed appointments or cancellations within 24 business hours of the appointment. If you cannot keep your appointment, please text or call us at least 24 business hours ahead.

Military families & veterans

Lonestar Rheumatology is in network with TRICARE and TriWest Healthcare Alliance (VA Community Care Network).

• TRICARE: call or text us to schedule — TRICARE Prime members may need a referral from their primary care manager.
• VA Community Care: ask your VA care team for a community care referral to Lonestar Rheumatology. Once TriWest sends us your authorization, we’ll call you to schedule.

Your patient portal, new patient forms and the full list of insurance we accept are below. Questions? Call or text (713) 588-1674. We hope to see you soon!