| Q. |
How does Preventive Medical Center of Marin (PMCM) differ from other medical offices? |
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| A. |
PMCM
practitioners are trained in multiple disciplines and are
able to integrate the best and safest approaches based on
each patient’s specific needs. We work together to create
a plan of action towards better health. Please review the
Patient Welcome Letter (pdf) for other particulars
or the information on our Web site. |
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| Q. |
What types of practitioners are at PMCM? |
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|
| A. |
OOur Family Practice staff and associate practitioners
include MDs, an Osteopath, Physician’s Assistant,Nurse
Practitioner,and Acupuncturist that work with children and
adults of all ages. Even though the specialty at PMCM is
preventive medicine and health improvement, our
practitioners can handle most any health care issue. Please see the
Staff and Associates Directory and check our PMCM individual Medical Staff handouts for further information. |
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| Q. |
How do I choose the right doctor for me? |
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|
| A. |
A
personal interview with the New Patient Relations
Coordinator provides a warm welcome to our Center. She
will explain how to schedule appointments, aid in
determining the right practitioner for you, review our
services, and answer your questions. |
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| Q. |
Do you take insurance at PMCM? |
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|
| A. |
PMCM
practitioners (not associates, such as Dr. Shames and Dr.
Reece) are contracted with various PPOs (not HMOs), such
as Blue Shield, Blue Cross, United Health Care, Interplan,
Marin Foundation, and Medicare. If we are not on your list
of providers, we require full payment at the time of
service. Either you or PMCM can submit the necessary
paperwork to your insurance for reimbursement. |
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| Q. |
Will insurance cover all the services that PMCM offers? |
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| A. |
Most
visits and lab testing should be covered; however, your
insurance company may consider some tests as preventive or
health-based only (or experimental, since they are new)
and may not fit their disease-based criteria. Sending test
results with your statement may assist in reimbursement. |
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| Q. |
What if I have an emergency? |
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|
| A. |
When in
doubt, go to the Emergency Room. If you are a patient of
PMCM, your doctor can refer you to the appropriate
specialist for any hospitalization care. If you need to
reach the on-call doctor after office hours, the pager
number is 415-721-6876. If you need phone guidance,
consultation, or treatment at night or on weekends, we are
happy to serve you if we are able or to refer you to an
appropriate facility. There will typically be a fee
charged for the practitioner’s time in caring for you
(this may not be covered by your insurance). |
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| Q. |
What happens when I am well and only require seasonal check-ins and a yearly cleanse? |
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| A. |
Contact
us and we’ll set up a special plan for you. This is a good
example of Preventive Medicine. Stay Healthy! |
