Integrative medicine primary care services at the Institute for Health and Healing are rooted in CPMC’s pioneering practice of integrative medicine, expanding traditional primary care to address the mind, body and spirit of each patient. Our team of specialists utilizes both conventional medical approaches and evidence-based complementary therapies to address you healthcare needs.
Our clinic is located at 2300 California Street, Suite 202, San Francisco, CA 94115. The entrance is located on the Webster Street side of the building. To contact us, call (415) 600-3503.
For more detailed information about our comprehensive services, review our webpage all about integrative medicine primary care. Our healthcare team has created the following list of frequently asked questions about integrative medicine primary care to help you understand our services.
How is the Clinic Different?
We go beyond standard guidelines of primary care to consider your mind, body and spirit in our assessments and care. Your physician-led primary care team focuses on optimal health as it partners with you to create personalized care plans. Your path to wellness is based on your own definition of health and can include goals like changing lifestyle and behavior, feeling more spiritually fulfilled and increasing physical comfort, energy and vitality. We have evidence-based holistic treatment options onsite and easy access to a variety of services, such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic care, massage and nutrition, all coordinated by your primary care team.
What Can I Expect at My First Appointment?
All of the primary care providers at our clinic believe a person’s health is comprised of physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual factors. They also believe patients can participate in care planning and can help define their health goals. You can expect your first visit to be at least 60 minutes long – it will be a comprehensive assessment of the factors mentioned above, as well as other areas, such as sleep, stress management, nutrition and exercise habits. You will also address any specific health concerns you may have.
Based on this visit, you may be referred to other team members, such as an osteopathic physician or medical acupuncturist to help with pain management, a nurse practitioner who focuses on nutrition and mind-body therapies, or even a social worker who can help you make changes in your life and identify community resources.
Who’s On My Team? How Often Do We Meet?
The composition of your care team is based on your goals, preferences and initial assessment. Your team may include your physician as the lead, and various other practitioners to support your personal plan for optimal health. Appointment frequency will be guided by your team – you can meet with them annually for your comprehensive physical, or you may have more frequent visits based on your needs.
Can I Choose My Primary Care Provider?
Yes, and we are happy to help you with that decision based on your preferences.
If you already have a primary care physician, but wish to transfer care to the Institute for Health and Healing, you may join our primary care practice whenever you like if you have a PPO, POS or Medicare plan. If you have an HMO, you will need to contact your insurance provider to learn more. Should you choose to retain your existing primary care provider, specialty consultation and treatments are still available to you at the Institute for Health and Healing.
Can I See Another Doctor or Nurse Practitioner if Mine is Unavailable?
Yes. Our team approach means that multiple providers are available for you, when you need them.
What if I Have a Chronic Medical Condition?
The primary care team will address your condition, seeing you as frequently as necessary, referring you to on-site practitioners or outside specialists as appropriate, while closely coordinating all of your care.
What if I Want to Receive Treatment Outside of the Clinic?
With your approval, your Institute for Health and Healing team can coordinate care with any external provider you see.
Can I Get Same-Day Appointments?
Yes. We offer same-day appointments as needed for patients with urgent healthcare needs. To make appointments online or contact your doctor, use Sutter’s My Health Online services.
Do You Have Extended Hours?
Yes. The clinic will eventually be open before and after normal business hours several days a week, and several Saturdays each month. To start, we’ll be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Thursday we will be open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
How is the Primary Care Clinic Different from the Existing Clinics in San Francisco, Marin, Santa Rosa and Sacramento?
Currently the San Francisco clinic (and the clinics in Marin, Santa Rosa and Sacramento) provides a wide range of integrative medical options. The addition of primary care represents a significant expansion of our services at that location. The existing clinics will continue to care for their patients regardless of where they receive primary care, and will serve as a resource for integrative medicine primary care patients.
How Does Primary Care Connect to the Specialty Practice?
Your Institute for Health and Healing primary care provider may want to coordinate your care with specialists for in-depth assessment or treatment. Patients can be referred for services in functional medicine, osteopathy, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, chiropractic services, Ayurveda, integrative psychotherapy, massage and bodywork therapies, Feldenkrais and skin care.
Can I Make Appointments with Providers in the Existing Specialty Clinics if I Don’t Have a Primary Care Physician?
Yes, we will continue to provide the same high-quality integrative medicine consultation and treatment that we currently offer in Institute for Health and Healing clinics. Many of our patients will retain their longstanding relationship with their primary care providers. Integrative Medicine Primary Care expands services beyond what we currently offer, including comprehensive primary care for those who seek an integrative medicine approach to the full continuum of their care, including the preventative and acute care needs we weren’t able to meet until now.
Will Insurance Cover My Institute for Health and Healing Primary Care Services?
If you have a PPO, POS or Medicare plan, we can bill your insurer for services in the primary care clinic. If you have an HMO plan or Kaiser insurance, we are considered out of network. In that case, you can participate as a self-pay patient.
If I Get a Referral from My Primary Care Physician to an Institute for Health and Healing Specialty Clinic, Will Insurance Cover the Costs?
Coverage for in-depth assessment or treatment from one of our specialty physicians or nurse practitioners is covered by PPO and POS insurance plans and Medicare. Coverage for complementary therapies like acupuncture, psychotherapy and chiropractic services will depend on your individual plan. Contact your insurer or your employer’s benefits representative for details.