New Patient Information
The first office visit
Regardless of whether you see me as a primary care physician or as a specialist, a first office visit will ordinarily last ninety minutes and I will take a detailed health history and review nutritional factors and the medications and/or supplements you may be currently taking. The majority of the visit will generally involve collaboratively developing a reasonable treatment plan which addresses your immediate needs, prevents reoccurrence of the existing limiting conditions and optimizes your overall functioning. I may request lab tests and in that event will take specimens in the office.
Just like every other physician, I have some paperwork for you to fill out before a first office visit. If you would like, you can download the paperwork here, complete it, and bring it with you to the appointment. For patients under the age of eighteen, the paperwork is here. Otherwise, I suggest that you arrive 10-15 minutes early so that our appointment is spent most efficiently.
Insurance information
I am currently covered under the following health insurance programs: Premera, Lifewise of Washington, Uniform, Aetna, Cigna, Reliant/PacificSource, and the First Choice Health PPO network which includes among others the following Group Health Options plans: GHO Options, Alliant Plus, and Options PPO. Other insurers may provide coverage at an out-of-network level (often 50% or more--please check with your insurer). If you have coverage under one of these insurers, please present your insurance card and photo ID on arrival. Co-payments are due at time of service. If you are not covered by one of these insurers, payment is due at the time of visit, but on request, we will be happy to provide you with a billing statement you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.
I do not charge for brief telephone conversations in which we discuss ongoing treatment or administrative matters. However, although diagnosis generally requires an office visit, and I do not consult with new patients by telephone, a telephone consultation may be appropriate if you are an established patient with a new concern. The minimum charge for such consultations is $30. Even if your insurance is accepted by my office, it does not cover these consultations, and you will be subsequently billed.