Initial Consultation and Physical Exam
Call Us at (858) 794-9192
The initial consultation is focused on getting to know a new patient. It includes a face-to-face patient-to-physician conversation regarding your complaints, medical and family history, previous therapies and diagnostic test results.
You should bring:
- Your available medical records
- Laboratory test results
- Original radiographic images
- Current medications (or list) with doses and frequency
The next step of the initial consultation is a comprehensive physical examination oriented on your problems. In addition to the traditional hands-on physical examination, we analyze joints and soft tissues with high-resolution ultrasound which, allows us to gain valuable diagnostic information while in the office. If necessary, an extended physical examination may include thermography, capillaroscopy, EKG, an instrumental assessment of autonomic nervous system, pulmonary function tests and quantitative electroencephalogram (‘brain map’).
Based on results of the initial assessment, we select appropriate diagnostic tests which are performed within several days or weeks following the consultation. These may include customized outsourced (LabCorp) or in-house biochemical, genetic and immunologic tests, radiographic imaging procedures, stool and saliva testing, food intolerance testing, etc.
Typically, the first follow up appointment is scheduled in three weeks after the initial consultation. The standard length of the initial consultation is one hour.
To schedule your initial consultation, call IFSMED at (858) 794-9192 or send us an e-mail at info@ifsmed.com
Appointments
When arranging for an appointment, let the receptionist know the nature of your visit. This helps her schedule the proper amount of time and reduces the need for return visits. If you need to cancel an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. We appreciate at least 24-hours notice.
Due to our schedule, we ask for a 24-hour cancellation notice. This allows other patients to schedule an appointment during that time. Failure to call will result in a $25 charge for the missed appointment. In case of emergency, this policy will not be in effect for the first occurrence. Please call our office or leave a message after business hours.
Insurance and Fees
The Institute for Specialized Medicine participates with Medicare, Tricare and most of the PPO insurance plans including:
• AETNA Health
• ANTHEM / BlueCross
• Affiliated Health Funds
• Arizona Foundation
• Beech Street
• BlueShield
• CIGNA PPO
• DRS Quest LLC
• First Health/CCN
• Fortified Provider Network
• Galaxy Health Network
• Great-West Healthcare
• Guardian
• Health Management Network
• Healthnet
• Humana ChoiceCare
• Interplan
• National Provider Network/Medavant
• Pacific Foundation for Med. Care
• Pacific Health Alliance
• Pacificare
• PPO Next
• Prime Health Services
• Private Healthcare Systems
• Scripps Employee Medical Plan
• St. Paul's Eldercare (Medicare)
• Three Rivers
• United Healthcare
• USA MCO
Participation varies as changes occur within the insurance industry. Please check with our receptionists to find out if we participate with your insurance plan.
For your convenience, we will file your primary insurance claims if you provide us with the correct billing information. We ask you to pay the deductible, co-insurance, or co-payment at the time of service. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards.
Certain services provided by the Institute for Specialized Medicine are fee-for-service only. They include (but are not limited to): acupuncture, shock-wave therapy, soft laser therapy, prolotherapy, focused dietary consultations, and optimization of exercises.
