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Location Information
  • Primary Location
    Memorial Surgery and Trauma - Oak Park Blvd
    1717 Oak Park Blvd, 1st Floor
    Lake Charles, LA 70601
    Hours
    • Mon: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
      Tue: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
      Wed: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
      Thu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
      Fri: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      Sat: Closed
      Sun: Closed

      Please call 337.494.6820 for more information.

Meet Richard Shimer, MD

Dr. Richard Shimer, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon. He also serves as the Medical Director of Trauma Services at Memorial Hospital, the area’s only designated Level III trauma center.

Dr. Shimer has a degree in natural science from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He received his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. His post-graduate training includes a surgical residency at the Pennsylvania State University program at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown.

Dr. Shimer is a veteran of the United States Army and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. He has practiced in the Lake Charles area since 2002. He specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic, endoscopy, and trauma surgeries.

Specialties:

  • Endoscopy
  • Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
  • Robotic-assisted surgery
  • Trauma surgeries

Professional Affiliations:

  • American College of Surgeons
  • American Medical Association

Education
  • College
  • Muhlenberg College
    Allentown, PA
  • Medical School
  • Medical College of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Residency
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pennsylvania State University
    Allentown, PA
  • Training
  • United States Army
Insurances Accepted:
  • Aetna Health Inc., 
  • Blue Cross / Blue Shield, 
  • Cigna Health And Life Insurance Company, 
  • Hmo Louisiana, Inc., 
  • Humana, 
  • IMA, 
  • Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity Company, 
  • Meritain Health, 
  • Office Of Group Benefits, 
  • Other, 
  • Self Insured, 
  • United Health Care, 
  • United Medical Resources, 
  • Vantage Health Plan, Inc.
Medical Interests Special Clinical Interests:
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a new patient. Can I fill out the paperwork before my appointment?
To help prepare for your first appointment, you can download and print new patient paperwork prior to your visit. Please click Download under Patient Forms above. If you are not able to to do this before your visit, you can fill out paperwork in the office. Please note: some clinics may have other specific forms for new patients in addition to the forms above.
It's my first visit, do I need my medical records from my previous doctor(s)?
If you have seen another physician, it is helpful to have his/her previous office records. A consent for the release of information must be signed and then we can request records from your previous physician.
Do you need my insurance information at the time of my visit?
Yes, we require your insurance card at time of service. We will file all claims to our participating insurance groups. Payment of insurance co-pays, deductibles, and all fees NOT covered by your insurance company are expected at the time of service. Fees may be paid by cash, check or credit card.
Do you need my insurance information at the time of my visit?
Yes, we require your insurance card at time of service. We will file all claims to our participating insurance groups. Payment of insurance co-pays, deductibles, and all fees NOT covered by your insurance company are expected at the time of service. Fees may be paid by cash, check or credit card.
If I call with a question for the nurse or doctor, when can I expect a callback?
Our physicians and nurses are with patients throughout the day, so it is usually not possible for them to immediately answer phone calls. We will return your call as soon as possible. To help us get back to you quickly leave your full name, date of birth, reason for the call and current phone number.
I have a question about my bill. Who do I contact?
Your Memorial Medical Group bill includes charges for goods and services rendered by your physician. Depending on your care, you may receive separate bills for services such as X-rays or lab work. You may contact our financial services department at 337.494.3265 with any questions or concerns about your bill or to pay your bill by phone. You may also visit the billing and financial services office located at 3050 Aster Street in Lake Charles. It is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
I need to change my appointment. Who do I need to contact?
To make changes to your appointment, please contact your physician's office. For each physician's contact information, click here.
I would like to access my medical records. How do I do that?
Yes, we require your insurance card at time of service. We will file all claims to our participating insurance groups. Payment of insurance co-pays, deductibles, and all fees NOT covered by your insurance company are expected at the time of service. Fees may be paid by cash, check or credit card.
Do you need my insurance information at the time of my visit?
Medical records can be accessed through the Follow My Health or the My MMG patient portals. You can request a copy of your medical records by calling 337.494.3149 or faxing a request to 337.494.3148. To learn more about accessing your records or to complete a Request for Information, click here.