Your First Visit, Made Simple

What to bring

• Your photo ID and insurance card(s)
• Every medicine you take — bottles or a written list, including vitamins and supplements
• Recent lab results if you have copies (we can also request them)
• Your home blood pressure log, if you keep one
• Any scan reports (ultrasound, CT) related to your kidneys
• The name of your referring or family doctor, so we can send them a report
• Your questions — write them down; none are too small

Patient forms

You can save time by filling out our patient form before you arrive:

Download the patient form (PDF, 115 KB)

Print it, fill it out, and bring it with you. If you can't print at home, no problem — arrive 15 minutes early and we'll help you complete it at the office.

What to expect

1. Check-in (10–15 minutes). We verify your information and insurance.
2. Vitals. Careful blood pressure measurement — proper cuff, both arms if needed.
3. Time with Dr. Lal. He reviews your history, labs, and medicines, examines you, and explains what's going on in plain language.
4. Your plan. You leave with clear next steps: any tests, medicine changes, and when we'll see you again.

Plan for about an hour in total for a first visit. A family member is always welcome to join you — a second set of ears helps.

Insurance & costs

We accept nearly all major insurance plans, including Medicare. We also see patients who do not have insurance — you do not need coverage to be seen here.

Please bring your insurance card with you if you have one, and our staff will take care of the details at check-in. If you are paying for your care yourself and would like to discuss costs beforehand, please call us and we will be glad to go over them with you.

Telehealth visits

Many follow-up visits can happen by video from your home — no drive, no waiting room. You'll need a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera, and a quiet spot to talk. When you book, ask whether your visit can be a telehealth visit; our staff will send you a simple link and walk you through it the first time. More about telehealth →

Common questions

Do I need a referral to be seen?

Many patients come to us through their family doctor, but a referral is not always required — it depends on your insurance. Call us and we'll check for you.

How soon can I get an appointment?

Call (903) 841-4454 and we’ll find you the earliest slot we have at Denison, Durant, or by telehealth. If your situation is urgent, tell us when you call.

How far do patients travel to see you?

Patients come to us from across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, well beyond Denison and Durant — see areas we serve. If you are weighing the drive, call us and ask about telehealth: where it is appropriate, many follow-up visits can happen by video, so the trip is usually for your first appointment and periodic in-person checks rather than every visit.

Should I take my medicines before the visit?

Yes — take your medicines as usual unless we tell you otherwise when you book. And bring the bottles with you.

Will I need blood work?

Often, yes. Kidney care runs on lab results. If you've had recent labs elsewhere, bring them — we may not need to repeat them.

Can my adult child or spouse join my visit?

Absolutely. We encourage it. They can also join telehealth visits from a different location if needed.

If this is an emergency, call 911.