Common Questions - San Diego Medical Group

What is Internal Medicine?

Internists specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illness in adults 18 years of age and older. We serve as the Primary Care Physician the one to contact first for all your medical needs.

In addition to caring for routine problems such as ear infections, colds, rashes, headaches, etc. in the office, we also have the expertise to deal with such complicated illnesses as heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.

Do you accept new patients?

Yes!

How do I order prescription refills?

Please request your pharmacy to notify us when you need refills. You may also request refills through our Patient Portal of by calling the office and leaving a message on the medical refill voicemail. Please allow up to 72 hours for refills to be approved. Refills are done during normal business hours Monday to Friday.

Do you provide referrals?

Yes. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for referrals to specialists to be processed.

All referrals must be authorized by the physician and you may be required to come in for an appointment before a referral is made.

If you are seen by a specialist without a referral, your insurance company may not cover the cost of the visit and you may be responsible for the entire cost. Referrals may not be done retroactively. It is your responsibility to obtain a referral before you see your specialist.

What if I need emergency care?

In the event of a life threatening emergency call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are sick please call the office at 619-718-9444. Same day appointments are usually available.

How do I schedule an appointment for an illness?

Appointments can be scheduled most efficiently through our Patient Portal. Otherwise you may call the office 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday except holidays. Sick patient appointments often may be made the same day.

What if I need to change an appointment?

If you are unable to make your appointment, please allow 2 business days to cancel your appointment. This is a courtesy to us and to other patients since your cancellation will free an appointment for a sick patient to be seen. Appointments canceled sooner will incur a $25 cancellation fee.

Can I call with a question on the phone?

Yes, you may call the office anytime. However, we encourage patients to use our Patient Portal where you may e-message your Provider. This is often a more efficient means of communication with faster response times. Nevertheless, you may always call the office and inform the staff member the nature of your call. Your message will be communicated to your Provider and your call be returned by staff with an answer to your question. You may need to schedule an appointment.

What if I am admitted to the hospital?

If you are admitted to the hospital we request that you inform the hospital to send your medical records to our office and schedule a follow up appointment as soon as possible when you return home so we can take care of you and your medical problems.

Do you perform routine lab tests?

We will refer you to the laboratory contracted with your insurance company. Fasting labs: This means 12 hours without food.. You may drink water or black coffee only, and you should take your medications that are scheduled for the day, except for diabetes medicines.

How do I receive my lab test results?

All lab and X-ray results are posted on our Patient Portal.

What if my physician is not available?

If your Primary Care Physician is not available, another Provider in the office will be able to see you.

What about my mental health?

We are concerned with whole person care, which includes behavioral healthcare. We treat mental health conditions and we also refer patients to behavioral health specialists.