FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

For your convenience, here are answers to frequently asked questions about Dr. Villalvazo’s Family Medicine.


Click on any of the questions below for more information:

Questions about Family Medicine

  • What is family medicine?

    Family medicine is a specialty which accounts for the health of the patients in general, and focuses on them throughout the entire course of their lives, regardless of age or time.

  • What does a family medicine physician treat?

    Primary care physicians (PCPs) offer an array of chronic, acute, and preventative medical health services in a patient oriented environment. In addition to diagnosing and addressing disease and medical issues, they also offer comprehensive general care such as; annual checkups, health-risk evaluations, immunizations and screening tests, and tailored counseling on healthy lifestyle maintenance. 


    Family physicians also treat chronic illnesses, usually coordinating with a specialist. From cardiovascular disease, stroke and high blood pressure, to diabetes, asthma, and cancer, family care practitioners can provide continuing, individual care for a variety of serious health concerns. Most frequently, family medicine doctors will perform primary care exams for their regular patients.

  • What happens during a primary care visit?

    Primary care visits should take place at least once every 12 months to ensure that overall health is being maintained. During the visit, the physician will assess the patient for any indications of a developing condition and applicable screenings will be performed. The physician will also:


    • Check vital signs
    • Collect medical and family history including allergies and medications
    • Inquire about smoking and alcohol use
    • Address concerns
    • Conduct a physical exam

    The exam will be done to identify signs of a possible disease or issue. If none are found the patient will be done. The doctor will order any x-rays, medications, or lab tests required. If a follow up appointment can be arranged if needed as well.

  • Why is it important to undergo primary care visits?

    Visiting the doctor’s office each year is crucial because it is the best way to stay abreast of any changes in your health. When you have founded a relationship with your physician it will be much easier for him to take note of any changes since he will know you so well.

  • What can a PCP help you with?

    Do you have any health concerns or questions that may not be an emergency right away? Then you need to visit a PCP. You can reach out to a PCP for many concerns and issues, such as:


    • High-grade fever
    • Ear ache
    • Abdominal pain
    • Persisting headache
    • Rash
    • Mild wheezing
    • Consistent cough
    • Preventative care
    • Management of chronic conditions

    You can call the office and learn if your medical concern is an emergency and if you should go to an emergency room instead.

  • Do you refer patients to hospitals?

    Yes. If a patient needs more care, we work with most private and public hospitals in California.

Questions about Insurance

  • What type of insurance does your office accept?

    Major Insurance Providers Accepted:


    We accept major PPO plans including Blue Shield, Blue Cross and CIGNA as well as United Healthcare and Medicare fees for service only. We are not on network with any HMO plans or Medi-cal. Click here for a short-list of just some of the plans we accept. 


    We accept all PPO plans and are In Network providers:

    • Aetna PPO
    • Anthem Blue Cross PPO/EPO
    • Blue Cross/Blue Shield
    • Blue Shield PPO/EPO
    • Cigna PPO
    • Humana
    • Medicare
    • Multiplan PPO
    • TriCare/TriWest
    • United Health Care

    *If you do not see your plan listed, please contact our office, our staff will be happy to help you.


Questions about New Patients 

  • Is your office currently accepting new patients?

    Yes, we are accepting new patients.

  • How does someone become a patient for the first time?

    You may call our office and set up an appointment. It’s really that easy. 

  • If I am a new patient, what should I bring to my first office visit?

    We ask all of our new patients to arrive to their appointment ten minutes early to allow time to complete our new patient packet. Please have your current insurance cards available for us to copy, as well as a picture id. 


    We photocopy picture Id‘s for security and privacy purposes. Please bring a list of all current medications so we are able to copy and record this list into our files. If you are a new patient to our office and are transferring from another physician, we ask that you allow 15 business days for their office to transfer records to our office. 

    Please remember that if there is a co-payment with your insurance company, we will collect this amount at the time of service.

Questions about Appointments

  • Does your office take walk-ins?

    Yes, we do take walk-ins. But we suggest that you make an appointment if your health issue is not urgent. Your wait time will be shorter if you have an appointment.

  • What are the office hours?

    • We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. 
    • We are closed for lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. 
    • We are closed Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Is your staff bilingual?

    Yes, our staff members are bilingual. 

    • The languages spoken are Spanish and English. 

  • How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

    You may be able to get an appointment soon.
    Please contact our office so that we may schedule and appointment for you.

  • What if I need to cancel an appointment?

    If you need to cancel your appointment, please call our office at least 1 day before your appointment to cancel and set up a new appointment.

  • Do I need a referral for certain services?

    You do not need a referral or letter from another doctor to get any services at our office. Visit our Services page to see what services we offer or give us a call. 

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