FAQ

“Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision. They are trained in the same medical model used to educate your physician. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions. They are often found in primary care practice — family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology — but also work in many specialties, such as cardiology, emergency medicine, oncology, dermatology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, and in surgery and the surgical subspecialties.” – American Academy of Physician Assistants

As previously mentioned the PA is trained in the same medical model used to educate the physician they are assisting. This leads to a unity in reasoning between PA and physician and uniformity in healthcare. The PA is trained to be a representative for the doctor and act on their behalf. The end result is improved healthcare for all.

Nurse practitioners, or NPs, fill an essential role in the healthcare system.  Although the question of “what is a nurse practitioner” can be complex, these highly trained nurses must complete at minimum a master’s degree, and many pursue doctoral level training. Due to their advanced experience and dedication, NPs are able to perform functions beyond an RN, such as prescribing medication, ordering diagnostic testing, and providing diagnoses for acute and chronic conditions. Additionally, NPs have clinical training that exceeds that necessary to become a registered nurse. While not required, many nurse practitioners also go on to specialize in a certain field, including geriatrics, pediatrics, or mental health.

We have two locations to conveniently serve you:

Encinitas
326 Santa Fe Dr. Suite 100
Encinitas, CA 92024

Both offices can be reached at:

760-230-8994 Phone
760-944-1309 Fax

The physicians that provide your medical care treat inpatients at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and outpatients at the Coastal Pulmonary Associates office. If you have recently had an overnight stay at the hospital, you will receive bills from the following entities:

Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas: 1- 800-690-9070

This bill will reflect charges for your actual hospital stay including but not limited to, Nursing, Bed, Meals, Equipment, etc.

Acute Care Associates DBA Inpatient Medical Group: 1-760-943-8806

This bill will reflect charges from your physician while in the hospital.

If you were recently seen in the office for an appointment or a test you will receive a bill from:

Coastal Pulmonary Associates: (818) 462-0908

Our new patient forms are available to download. To provide you with optimum service, we would need for you to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. Please bring the new patient forms, and medical insurance cards. If you arrive late, there may be a wait. We will be happy to try to accommodate you back into the physician’s schedule. Patient parking is available in front of the building, however we do ask you allow ample time to find parking. If you have any medical records that you may find will be helpful for your visit, please bring them with you, this would include any medication lists. If you are having symptoms persisting prior to your first visit with us, please contact your primary care physician or go to the nearest emergency room/urgent care facility.

We are contracted with most insurances. It is the patient’s responsibility to call their insurance health plan and verify if our practice is in or out of network as your copay may vary based on this information. If your insurance requires a referral or authorization to be seen, please make sure your referring physician has sent that information over to our office. It can be faxed to us at (760) 944-1309. Copayments are due at the time of visit.