Dr. Laura Krister, MD – Family Physician | La Crosse, WI

To confirm if Dr. Laura Krister is currently accepting new patients, please contact (608) 775-3295.

Dr. Laura Krister, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in La Crosse, WI. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Laura Krister is registered with The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board and practices under the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 448 (Medical Practices). With over 40 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients.

Dr. Laura Krister provides continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages and is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Laura Krister provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Laura Krister, MD is a family medicine physician in La Crosse, WI and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI / MEDICAL CENTER in 1982. She is affiliated with Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. Dr. Laura Krister is committed to ongoing advancements in family medicine and to providing the highest standard of care to her patients and the La Crosse community.

Dr. Laura Krister addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Anemia: Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in fatigue and weakness.
• Foot Wounds: A foot wound that's not healing properly may indicate underlying circulatory issues or infection and requires prompt medical attention.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis Due to Cosmetics: Skin irritation and inflammation due to a reaction from a cosmetic product can be managed with appropriate identification of the allergen and treatment to reduce inflammation.
• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma of Skin: Acral lentiginous melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that needs prompt medical attention.
• Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Sores or white patches inside the mouth may be oral lichenoid lesions and require evaluation by a medical professional.
• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids causes redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes crusting, often requiring specific treatment.
• Parapsoriasis: Parapsoriasis is a group of skin conditions causing scaly patches or plaques on the skin, requiring diagnosis and appropriate management.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Laura Krister addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Laura Krister offers a range of services to meet her patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Hepatitis Screening: Hepatitis screening helps detect liver infections early, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of long-term complications.
• Disability Evaluation: Disability evaluations assess functional limitations to determine eligibility for disability benefits.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Screening helps identify cognitive decline or depression, allowing for early intervention and support.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Trichomoniasis screening helps detect this sexually transmitted infection, enabling prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: Impairment rating evaluations assess the extent of physical or mental impairment due to injury or illness.
• VAP Lipid Testing: VAP lipid testing helps assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: Cardiac ultrasound provides detailed images of the heart to diagnose and monitor heart conditions.
• Skin Testing and Screening: Skin testing and screening helps detect skin abnormalities such as skin cancer, allergies, or infections.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: The ACTH stimulation test helps evaluate adrenal gland function.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: Menopause evaluation and treatment addresses symptoms and health concerns associated with menopause.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: Spinal and postural screening helps identify potential issues that can affect overall health and well-being.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: Chlamydia infection screening helps detect this common sexually transmitted infection.
• STD Screening: STD screening helps detect various sexually transmitted infections.
• Health Screening: Health screenings help identify potential health problems early, allowing for timely intervention.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Laura Krister. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in Wisconsin and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.

Dr. Laura Krister is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, she helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Laura Krister can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With consistent treatment, patients experience relief from the burning and stinging sensations of blepharitis, allowing them to comfortably resume daily activities and enjoy clearer vision. Improved eye health restores confidence and allows for a return to favorite hobbies.
• With careful identification of cosmetic triggers and diligent application of prescribed treatments, patients often see a significant reduction in their eczema and contact dermatitis symptoms. This allows them to enjoy makeup and skincare again without the worry of painful flare-ups, improving their confidence and quality of life.
• Early detection and treatment allowed patients to successfully manage their acral lentiginous melanoma, leading to improved prognoses and a return to their active lifestyles. They were able to resume favorite activities, feeling confident and secure in their health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Laura Krister, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the La Crosse, Wisconsin area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in La Crosse and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving La Crosse. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Convenient patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Laura Krister. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Laura Krister or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Anthem
  • Plan: Blue Preferred - WI, Type: POS
  • Plan: Blue Priority X Indiv DirectAccess - WI, Type: POS
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO
  • Plan: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • Plan: Blue Preferred Plus, Type: POS
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
  • Plan: Blue Cross Aware
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Humana
  • Plan: Choice Care Network, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice Care, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Choice, Type: POS
• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue, Type: PPO

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Laura Krister is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Laura Krister) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (608) 775-3295 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Laura Krister may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (La Crosse, WI)

She earned her medical degree from UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI / MEDICAL CENTER in 1982.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Laura Krister:

Are services from Dr. Laura Krister typically covered by health insurance in Wisconsin?

As a Family Physician in Wisconsin, Dr. Laura Krister likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely essential that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (608) 775-3295 prior to scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Laura Krister is 'in-network' for your plan and to fully understand your specific coverage details, including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services, such as most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, or non-medically necessary visits, may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Laura Krister as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Laura Krister to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Laura Krister will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Laura Krister, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

How long do appointments with Dr. Laura Krister typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Laura Krister will vary based on the purpose of the visit. For a quick follow-up on a stable issue or a very straightforward problem, 15 minutes might suffice. For annual physicals/wellness visits, new patient consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Laura Krister will usually book a longer slot, such as 30-45 minutes, or occasionally more. Always try to be specific about your needs when scheduling your appointment at the clinic so the team can ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Laura Krister to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

What does it mean for Dr. Laura Krister to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Laura Krister (or the clinic she practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company. This contract typically includes agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs for you, such as lower co-pays and co-insurance, once your deductible is met. 'Out-of-network' means there's no contract between the provider/clinic and your insurer. If you see an out-of-network provider, your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all, and you could be responsible for the difference between what the insurer pays and what the doctor charges (this is sometimes called 'balance billing'). It is always best to verify Dr. Laura Krister's network status directly with your insurance plan by calling the member services number on your card or checking their online provider directory AND confirming with our clinic before your appointment.

Does Dr. Laura Krister at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Laura Krister at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Laura Krister if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Laura Krister before scheduling such an appointment.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in Wisconsin who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First, check your health insurance plan's 'Find a Doctor' or 'Provider Directory' tool (often available online or via their member services phone number) to find in-network PCPs. This is the most reliable way to ensure coverage. Also use the 'Physician Finder' tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The Wisconsin Medical Board website may have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups. Verifying insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment is crucial.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Laura Krister?

Bring your insurance card(s) and a form of photo ID. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products), including dosages, is crucial. For new patients, any past medical records or a health summary are beneficial. If you monitor things at home (like blood pressure or blood sugar), bring your logbook and device. Prepare a list of your symptoms or questions in advance. Also, be aware of your insurance co-pay or deductible responsibilities.

I have multiple health problems (multimorbidity). How does Dr. Laura Krister handle complex care?

As a Family Physician, Dr. Laura Krister is trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. She will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Laura Krister will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved, manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions and polypharmacy, and develop a comprehensive, patient-centered care plan that aligns with your overall health goals, values, and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions, medications, and concerns is key.

1900 South Ave
La Crosse WI 54601
Phone: (608) 775-3295

Dr. Laura Krister, MD is regulated by the Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 448 (Medical Practices) in Wisconsin and is licensed by The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1578569729

Registration can typically be verified through The Wisconsin Medical Examining Board website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Laura Krister are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.