What insurance do you accept?

We accept the plans listed in the Insurance section above, including Traditional Medicare, Traditional Medicaid, most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Aetna, Humana, Tricare, WellMed, and more. Eligibility and authorization should be checked prior to visits and infusions.

Do I need a referral?

Most HMO plans require a written referral for any care outside of your primary physician. Other insurance plans may or may not require pre-authorization. Please call the office to find out if self-referral is appropriate, or ask your primary doctor's office or your insurance company. Our policy is that if you come for an appointment without a referral and your insurance requires one, you may pay in full for your visit or be rescheduled. Acquiring the proper referral is ultimately the patient's responsibility.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring your insurance card(s), any pertinent medical records or x-rays, a list of medicines you are taking, and a method of payment for your health services. Also, make sure you have the proper referral for your insurance, if one is required. Please arrive about 30 minutes before your appointment time to complete paperwork — or complete the forms in advance, as described below. See the new patient guide for details.

Can I fill out forms in advance?

Yes — for faster service, forms are available for printout online. Download the new patient packet (English) or the Spanish packet, print it, and bring the completed forms to your first visit to decrease your wait time. If you need assistance completing any forms, please call our office during business hours.

What if I'm running late?

You may be asked to reschedule. Speak with the front desk staff if you arrive late, and they will determine whether the doctor can see you.

Do I pay at the time of my visit?

Yes. If we participate with your insurance and the proper referral(s) are in place, you are only responsible for any deductibles, co-insurance, or co-pays your insurance requires. All funds are payable in full at the time of your visit. If we do not accept your insurance, or the proper referral is not in place, you will be required to pay in full for your visit. Any services not paid for in full on the same day will require payment of the full charge, including checks presented at the time of service that are later returned for insufficient funds. If during any visit there is a balance on your account, our staff has been directed to collect the balance, in addition to any deductibles, co-insurance, or co-pays, before your appointment. We accept debit cards, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express, and offer payment plans through CareCredit.

Nutrition

Best & Worst Foods for OA: Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips to Protect Your Joints

There's no cure for osteoarthritis, but what you eat can help calm inflammation and protect your cartilage. Here's what to reach for — and what to limit.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease marked by the gradual loss of cartilage, the smooth, cushioning tissue at the ends of bones. Inflammation plays a key role in OA progression: chronic, low-grade inflammation not only intensifies pain but also promotes enzymes that break down cartilage. Reducing inflammation through dietary choices can help protect your joints.

Best foods for OA:

Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines): omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammatory markers and may slow cartilage degradation; aim for at least twice a week.
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard): rich in vitamin K and antioxidants that support joint tissue repair.
Berries: antioxidants such as anthocyanins and vitamin C fight free radicals and promote collagen production.
Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds): healthy fats and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower): nutrients believed to help protect cartilage.
Olive oil: extra-virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, with anti-inflammatory properties similar to NSAIDs.
Turmeric and ginger: curcumin in turmeric inhibits inflammatory pathways; ginger helps reduce pain and stiffness.

Foods to limit: sugary foods and beverages (sodas, candies, pastries), processed and ultra-processed foods, red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, sugary cereals), and trans fats (fried foods, many baked goods, margarine) — all can fuel inflammation, and excess weight adds stress to your joints.

Getting started: make gradual changes — swap one processed snack a day for fruit or a handful of nuts; batch-cook anti-inflammatory meals; choose whole grains over refined ones and water or herbal tea over sugary drinks; and keep a food diary to spot your personal triggers. Every small change counts. Always consult your healthcare provider or a nutrition expert before making major dietary changes.

Adapted from our original post: read it on our blog.

Ready to be seen? New patients are seen within 2–4 weeks.

Call (361) 400-7700 Request an Appointment

← All posts