Insurance FAQ's
Primary Care Insurance Q&A
Q: What Insurance do you take?
A: We take the following:
PPO: Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Tri Care and United Health Care
HMO: Brown and Toland
Medicare and Railroad Medicare
Q: Do you take Medical Cal?
No
Q: Who do I call when I have billing questions regarding the statement I received in the mail?
A: Call Gilbert Gerbacio at JT Howe and Associates with any questions you have regarding your received statement. He is available weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He can be reached at 925-363-8170 ext. 118.
Q: I want to know what my out of pocket costs will be for my upcoming Primary Care/Medical appointment:
A: It is your responsibility to call your Insurance Care Provider with any questions you have prior to receiving medical treatment. Our Front Desk staff will also ask you to make this call as it is your responsibility to seek answers to any questions you may have about your specific coverage. This also includes questions about your co-pay, deductible and all other insurance related questions you may have prior to your appointment.
Q: What steps do I need to take to change my insurance provider information with my doctor (beginning of the new year or midway through the current year)?
A: When you make your appointment let our staff know and they will guide you to bring in your new insurance information to make changes to your electronic record. You will need to provide your insurance card or current photo copy of your card when you come to your appointment. Always provide current insurance information at your appointment should there be any changes made to your coverage by your provider.
Q: Do I always need to come prepared to pay my co-pay at the time of my appointment?
A: Yes, always come prepared to pay your out of pocket payment at the time of your appointment.
Wellness and Weight Loss Q&A
Q: Does insurance cover my initial and follow-up Wellness and Weight Loss Visits?
A: Insurance Co-Pays will vary depending upon the type of insurance you have. Typically, your first appointment is a $50.00 co-pay and $25.00 co-pay per each follow-up counseling visit. We take California Residents only for Insurance Submitted appointments. See our list of accepted insurance providers as noted in Primary Care.
Q: I am on Medicare with a Secondary Insurance Provider, what is my cost?
A: 100% Medicare billed, no co-pay.
Q: I have Medicare only, no secondary provider. What is my cost?
A: Your first appointment is $21.00 and your follow-up appointment is $16.62
Q: I have a PPO Insurance Policy, what is my cost?
A: Please check with our Front Desk at 510-886-5515 or leave a email message online at our FRONT DESK and let us know more about you and your the specifics of your insurance policy so we can provide a cost for you.
Q: I have a high deductible, what is my cost?
A: Your first appointment is a $50.00 co-pay and your following appointments are a $25.00 co-pay.
Q: Is there an Insurance Coverage Qualifier to be enrolled in the Wellness and Weight Loss Program?
A-1: Yes, you must be available to come to our Castro Valley clinic, have insurance coverage for Wellness and Weight Loss appointments to meet with our staff to receive your healthy lifestyle counseling. All appointments are one on one with our Nutritionist and with Dr. Robinson as needed as this is a medically supervised Weight Loss Program.
A-2. Wellness and Weight Loss Counseling is available without insurance at non insurance supplemented billed rates. Our nutrition counseling services are available Nationwide at very affordable rates. See our Nutrition Packages to help you meet your goals with Wellness, building lean body mass through increased fat loss strategies that work and living a healthier lifestyle with daily lifestyle choices. Empower your journey with our team of experts!