Dr. Brian Rees, MD – Family Physician | San Luis Obispo, CA

Dr. Brian Rees, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in San Luis Obispo, CA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He 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).

To confirm if Dr. Brian Rees is currently accepting new patients, please contact (805) 439-1797.

Dr. Brian Rees, MD is a family medicine physician in San Luis Obispo, CA and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Tulane University of Louisiana in 1979. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. His 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. He serves patients of all ages and provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Brian Rees is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships.

Dr. Brian Rees is committed to providing the highest quality of care and to continually improving the health and well-being of his patients and the San Luis Obispo community.

Dr. Brian Rees addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This condition involves pain around the kneecap, often caused by overuse or injury.
• Gait Abnormality: This refers to any unusual or impaired manner of walking.
• Muscle Weakness: This can have various causes and impacts daily activities.
• Joint Pain: This can affect various joints and is often associated with inflammation or injury.
• Obesity: This is a condition characterized by excessive body fat, increasing the risk of various health problems.
• Difficulty With Walking: This can result from various underlying conditions affecting mobility.
• Overweight: Being overweight increases the risk of various health problems.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Brian Rees 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 he 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. Brian Rees offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Lyme Disease Evaluation: This involves assessment and testing for Lyme disease infection.
• Health Screening: This includes various tests to detect potential health issues early.
• Menopause Evaluation and Treatment: This provides support and treatment for women experiencing menopause.
• Cardiovascular Stress Test: This test assesses the heart's response to physical exertion.
• STD Screening: This involves testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: This is a screening test to detect ovarian cancer early.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: This involves assessment of mental health and potential disorders.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: This is a screening test to detect prostate cancer.
• Worker's Compensation Evaluations: These evaluations assess work-related injuries.
• Urine Pregnancy Test: This test confirms or rules out pregnancy.
• Disability Evaluation: This involves assessment for disability claims.
• Home Sleep Study: This test monitors sleep patterns at home.
• Tuberculosis Screening: This involves testing for tuberculosis infection.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: This helps assess the risk of developing breast cancer.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Brian Rees. 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. Brian Rees is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, he helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Brian Rees can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With careful management, patients regain more stable and confident steps, enabling them to enjoy increased mobility and participate more fully in everyday activities and social engagements. They often find renewed independence and improved quality of life.
• With personalized treatment plans, patients regain mobility and confidence, enjoying increased independence and the ability to participate in activities they love. They rediscover the simple pleasures of walking and exploring the world around them.
• With proper treatment, patients experience significant pain reduction and improved knee function, enabling them to return to activities they enjoy, such as running, hiking, or simply climbing stairs without discomfort. They regain mobility and an active lifestyle.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Brian Rees, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Convenient patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Brian Rees. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Brian Rees 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: Cigna HMO

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. Brian Rees 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. Brian Rees) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (805) 439-1797 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.

He earned his medical degree from Tulane University of Louisiana in 1979.

Are services from Dr. Brian Rees typically covered by health insurance in California?

Dr. Brian Rees, as a Family Physician in California, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely imperative that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Brian Rees is 'in-network' for your plan and to understand your 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. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Brian Rees as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Brian Rees to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Brian Rees 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. Brian Rees, 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.

How long do appointments with Dr. Brian Rees typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Brian Rees will vary based on the purpose of the visit. For a quick follow-up on a stable issue or a very straightforward problem, 15 minutes might suffice. For annual physicals/wellness visits, new patient consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Brian Rees will usually book a longer slot, such as 30-45 minutes, or occasionally more. Always try to be specific about your needs when scheduling your appointment at the clinic so the team can ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Brian Rees to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

Certainly! A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service, like a doctor's visit or a prescription, at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest of the allowed amount. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay its share (e.g., you might have a $1,000 annual deductible). Preventive services are often covered before meeting the deductible. Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the allowed amount for the service, which you pay *after* you've met your deductible. For example, if the allowed amount is $100 and your co-insurance is 20%, you pay $20 and your insurer pays $80 (after deductible). These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Dr. Brian Rees recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in California who is accepting new patients and takes my insurance?

First, check your health insurance plan's 'Find a Doctor' or 'Provider Directory' tool (often available online or via their member services phone number) to find in-network PCPs. This is the most reliable way to ensure coverage. You can also use the 'Physician Finder' tool on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) website (familydoctor.org). The California Medical Board website may have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local hospital systems or larger medical groups, as they often have affiliated family physicians who are accepting new patients and can provide lists of accepted insurances. It can be challenging; verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Brian Rees in the US?

With Dr. Brian Rees, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations (flu, pneumonia, shingles, etc.), screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on USPSTF recommendations for your age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Brian Rees works with you to create a personalized prevention plan, many components of which may be covered by your health insurance without cost-sharing.

What if Dr. Brian Rees works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Brian Rees?

Dr. Brian Rees practices as part of a group practice, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Brian Rees, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Brian Rees is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Brian Rees for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

I have multiple health problems (multimorbidity). How does Dr. Brian Rees handle complex care?

If you have several health issues, Dr. Brian Rees is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home.' His role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the US healthcare system (including specialist referrals and insurance considerations for complex care), and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Brian Rees will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

1428 Phillips Ln
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Phone: (805) 439-1797

Dr. Brian Rees, MD 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): 1962558205

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. Brian Rees 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.