Brittany Bell, PA-C – Family Physician | San Luis Obispo, CA

Brittany Bell, PA-C is a Family Physician practicing at Tenet Health Central Coast Primary And Specialty Care in San Luis Obispo, CA. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Brittany PA-C is registered with The Medical Board of California (MBC) and practices under the California Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 5 (Medical Practice Act).

Dr. Brittany PA-C is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (805) 395-3277 to inquire or schedule an appointment. Her practice focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care.

Dr. Brittany PA-C, a family medicine specialist in San Luis Obispo, CA, treats both children and adults. She provides preventative and acute care including flu, colds, immunizations, physicals, and senior wellness exams. She serves patients of all ages and provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Brittany PA-C is committed to fostering a trusting and supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Brittany PA-C addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Discoid Lupus: This is a long-term skin disease characterized by distinctive skin lesions.
• Poison Ivy: This causes an itchy, blistering rash from contact with the plant.
• Nummular Dermatitis: This condition presents as coin-shaped patches of itchy, inflamed skin.
• Carcinoma in Situ of Skin: This is a non-invasive skin cancer that requires monitoring and treatment.
• Rosacea-Like Facial Flush: This involves redness and flushing on the face resembling rosacea.
• Seborrhoea: This common skin condition causes flaky, itchy skin.
• Palmoplantar Keratoderma: This results in thickened, bumpy skin on the palms and/or soles.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Brittany PA-C addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Brittany PA-C offers a range of services to meet her patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Primary Care for Adults: Comprehensive healthcare services for adults.
• Well Child Examination: Regular checkups to monitor a child's growth and development.
• Physical Examination: A thorough assessment of a patient's overall health.
• Primary and Preventive Care for Children and Adolescents: Healthcare services focusing on the unique needs of children and adolescents.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support: Emergency treatment to restore normal heart function.
• Wellness Examination: A comprehensive assessment to promote and maintain overall health.
• Diabetic Wound Care: Specialized care for foot or leg wounds that are not healing due to diabetes.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Brittany PA-C. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in California and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Medical Board of California (MBC).

Dr. Brittany PA-C is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, she helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Brittany PA-C can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper management, patients experience significant relief from the discomfort of thickened skin on their hands and feet, enabling them to return to activities they enjoy, such as gardening or playing musical instruments. Their improved mobility and reduced pain contribute to a better overall quality of life.
• Careful monitoring and treatment allowed patients to successfully manage their carcinoma in situ, preventing its progression and enabling them to enjoy worry-free outdoor activities once again. Their peace of mind was restored knowing their skin cancer was under control.
• With effective treatment, patients experienced a significant reduction in redness, scaling, and itching associated with their seborrhoea, allowing them to comfortably participate in social activities and enjoy a better quality of life. They are able to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin again.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Brittany PA-C, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the San Luis Obispo, California area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in San Luis Obispo and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving San Luis Obispo. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Brittany PA-C. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Brittany PA-C or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
• Cigna
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Brittany PA-C is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Brittany PA-C) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (805) 395-3277 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Information on hospital affiliations can be obtained by contacting the clinic.

She earned her medical degree from Touro University Nevada.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Brittany PA-C:

Are services from Dr. Brittany PA-C typically covered by health insurance in California?

Dr. Brittany PA-C, as a Family Physician in California, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, patients must always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with Tenet Health Central Coast Primary And Specialty Care's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Brittany PA-C is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Brittany PA-C as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Brittany PA-C to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Brittany PA-C will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Brittany PA-C, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

What does PCP mean and is Dr. Brittany PA-C one?

PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. Yes, Dr. Brittany PA-C, as a Family Physician, serves as a PCP for her patients. Your PCP is your main doctor for general health needs, preventative care (like annual physicals and screenings), and is usually the first point of contact for most medical issues, both acute and chronic. She manages a wide range of health concerns and coordinates your overall care, including providing referrals to specialists if needed. Many health insurance plans in the US, especially HMOs, require you to select or be assigned a designated PCP to oversee your care and authorize specialist visits.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Brittany PA-C?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Brittany PA-C means that she is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years, serving as your 'medical home'. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Brittany PA-C to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests and potential for conflicting medical advice, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger physician-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management within the US healthcare system.

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

Your Family Physician (Family Physician) is your primary healthcare provider in the US, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues. She manages acute illnesses, oversees care for long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling (often part of annual wellness visits or Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for seniors), administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals, often navigating insurance requirements. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine and can lead to better health outcomes.

How long do appointments with Dr. Brittany PA-C typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Brittany PA-C to discuss a specific health concern or for a routine follow-up might last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam/preventive visit, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 to 45 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at Tenet Health Central Coast Primary And Specialty Care about the nature and number of concerns you have when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Brittany PA-C can be arranged to provide quality care.

Does Dr. Brittany PA-C at Tenet Health Central Coast Primary And Specialty Care offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Dr. Brittany PA-C at Tenet Health Central Coast Primary And Specialty Care may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Brittany PA-C if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Brittany PA-C before scheduling such an appointment.

What does it mean for Dr. Brittany PA-C to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Brittany PA-C (or Tenet Health Central Coast Primary And Specialty Care she practices at) has a contract with your health insurance company. This contract typically includes agreed-upon (often discounted) rates for services. Seeing an in-network provider usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs for you, such as lower co-pays and co-insurance, once your deductible is met. 'Out-of-network' means there's no contract between the provider/clinic and your insurer. If you see an out-of-network provider, your insurance may cover a much smaller portion of the bill, or none at all, and you could be responsible for the difference between what the insurer pays and what the doctor charges (this is sometimes called 'balance billing'). It is always best to verify Dr. Brittany PA-C's network status directly with your insurance plan by calling the member services number on your card or checking their online provider directory AND confirming with our clinic before your appointment.

Tenet Health Central Coast Primary And Specialty Care
892 Aerovista Pl Ste 130
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Phone: (805) 395-3277

Brittany Bell, PA-C is regulated by the California Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 5 (Medical Practice Act) in California and is licensed by The Medical Board of California (MBC).

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1972047587

Registration can typically be verified through The Medical Board of California (MBC) website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Brittany PA-C are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.