Dr. Edward Ruiz, MD – Family Physician | La Quinta, CA

Dr. Edward Ruiz, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in La Quinta, 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).

Dr. Edward Ruiz is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (760) 564-9205 to inquire or schedule an appointment. He provides 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. Edward Ruiz, MD is a family medicine physician in La Quinta, CA and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in 2004. He is affiliated with Eisenhower Medical Center. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients. He serves patients of all ages and offers consultations in Spanish. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Edward Ruiz is committed to providing the best possible care and improving the health and well-being of his community.

Dr. Edward Ruiz addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Mild Asthma: This involves managing symptoms and preventing exacerbations through medication and lifestyle adjustments.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: This focuses on managing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits through dietary changes, medication, and stress management techniques.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): This involves managing symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty urinating through medication, lifestyle changes, or minimally invasive procedures.
• Bunion: This involves managing pain and inflammation associated with bunions through conservative measures like orthotics, medication, and, in some cases, surgery.
• Diabetes Type 2: This involves managing blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring to prevent complications.
• Asthma: This focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing attacks through medication, education, and avoidance of triggers.
• Cough: This involves identifying and treating the underlying cause of the cough, which may range from infections to allergies.
• Tension Headache: This involves managing pain and frequency through stress reduction techniques, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
• Urinary Incontinence: This involves managing involuntary urine leakage through lifestyle changes, medication, or pelvic floor exercises.
• Abdominal Pain: This involves identifying and treating the underlying cause of the abdominal pain, which can range from indigestion to more serious conditions.
• Malaise and Fatigue: This involves investigating potential underlying causes, such as infections, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions.
• Leukocytopenia: This involves identifying and treating the underlying cause of the low white blood cell count, which can indicate infection or other medical conditions.
• Chest Pain: This requires prompt evaluation to rule out serious conditions such as heart attack or other cardiovascular problems.
• Sickle Cell Disease: This involves comprehensive management to prevent and treat complications, including pain crises and infections.

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

• Immunization Administration: This protects against various infectious diseases through the administration of vaccines.
• Genetic Screening for Breast Cancer: This helps assess individual risk for breast cancer based on genetic predisposition.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: This assesses posture and spinal alignment to identify potential problems and recommend corrective measures.
• Psychological Evaluation: This involves assessing mental health, identifying potential issues, and providing appropriate support or referrals.
• Gonorrhea Screening: This involves testing for the presence of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: This involves assessing for cognitive decline or depressive symptoms.
• Home Sleep Study: This allows for the diagnosis of sleep disorders in the comfort of the patient's home.
• Vaginosis Screening: This involves testing for bacterial vaginosis.
• Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling: This involves assessing alcohol consumption and providing support for those with alcohol misuse issues.
• Vaccination: This provides protection against various infectious diseases.
• Breast Cancer Screening: This involves mammograms and other screening methods to detect breast cancer early.
• Advance Directive End of Life Planning: This helps patients plan for their end-of-life care.
• Patch Testing: This identifies allergens responsible for contact dermatitis.
• Impairment Rating Evaluation: This assesses the degree of impairment resulting from an injury or illness.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Edward Ruiz. 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. Edward Ruiz 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. Edward Ruiz can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, patients experiencing malaise and fatigue often find their energy levels restored, enabling them to return to their favorite activities and enjoy a fuller life. They rediscover the ability to participate fully in work, family life, and personal pursuits.
• After thorough evaluation and treatment, patients experiencing chest pain often find significant relief and a reduction in anxiety. This allows them to return to their normal activities with renewed confidence and peace of mind.
• With proper management, patients find their asthma symptoms significantly reduced, allowing them to breathe easier and fully participate in activities they enjoy, such as playing sports or spending time outdoors. This improved lung function contributes to a greater sense of well-being and overall improved quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Edward Ruiz, 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 La Quinta, California area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in La Quinta and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving La Quinta. 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. Edward Ruiz. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Edward Ruiz 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
  • Plan: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
• Anthem Blue Cross
  • Plan: Pathway, Type: EPO
  • Plan: Prudent Buyer Individual CA, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Prudent Buyer Large Group CA, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Prudent Buyer Small Group CA, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
  • Plan: Advantage Preferred DirectAccess Plus, Type: PPO
• Blue Shield of California
  • Plan: Blue High Performance Network, Type: EPO
  • Plan: Bronze 60 SHOP, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Bronze Full 4500, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Platinum 90, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Silver 70, Type: PPO
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Clover Health
  • Plan: Premium
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Health Net
  • Plan: CA Healthnet, Type: PPO
• Oscar Health
  • Plan: Northern CA Cigna + Oscar LocalPlus, Type: EPO
  • Plan: Northern CA Cigna + Oscar Open Access Plus, Type: EPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: POS
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, 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. Edward Ruiz 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. Edward Ruiz) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (760) 564-9205 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.

Dr. Edward Ruiz may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Eisenhower Medical Center (Rancho Mirage, CA)

He earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2004.

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Edward Ruiz:

Are services from Dr. Edward Ruiz typically covered by health insurance in California?

Dr. Edward Ruiz, 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, it is absolutely imperative that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (760) 564-9205 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Edward Ruiz 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, such as most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, or 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. Edward Ruiz as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Edward Ruiz 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. Edward Ruiz 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. Edward Ruiz, 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 if Dr. Edward Ruiz works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Edward Ruiz?

Dr. Edward Ruiz practices as part of a medical group, 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. Edward Ruiz, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Edward Ruiz 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. Edward Ruiz for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

How long do appointments with Dr. Edward Ruiz typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Edward Ruiz 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. Edward Ruiz 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. Edward Ruiz to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

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

'In-network' means Dr. Edward Ruiz (or the clinic he 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. Edward Ruiz'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.

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. 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. Verifying insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment is crucial. It can be challenging, so persistence is key.

What happens if Dr. Edward Ruiz determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Edward Ruiz determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), he will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. This often involves Dr. Edward Ruiz's office sending a formal referral request, including your relevant medical information and reason for consult, to the specialist's office. Depending on your insurance plan (especially HMOs), a formal referral from Dr. Edward Ruiz may be required by your insurer for the specialist visit to be covered or for you to receive in-network benefits. Our staff at the clinic will work to find an in-network specialist for you where possible and may assist with any necessary prior authorization process from your insurance. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly. The specialist's office will typically contact you directly to schedule an appointment once the referral (and any insurance authorization) is processed. Please follow up with our clinic if you encounter issues or haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe as advised by Dr. Edward Ruiz.

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

As a Family Physician, Dr. Edward Ruiz is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. He will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Edward Ruiz will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved (ensuring referrals are appropriate, results are integrated, and treatment plans are aligned), manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions and polypharmacy (reviewing for necessity and effectiveness), and develop a comprehensive, patient-centered care plan that aligns with your overall health goals, values, and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions, medications, and concerns is key to this process.

47110 Washington St Ste 203
La Quinta CA 92253
Phone: (760) 564-9205

Dr. Edward Ruiz, 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): 1598961708

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. Edward Ruiz 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.