Dr. James Hooper, DO – Family Physician | Tacoma, WA

To confirm if Dr. James Hooper is currently accepting new patients, please contact (253) 441-2634.

Dr. James Hooper, DO is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in Tacoma, WA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Washington Medical Commission and practices under the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians). Dr. Hooper's 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 utilizes an evidence-based approach to medicine, emphasizing patient education and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. James Hooper, DO is a family medicine physician in Tacoma, WA. He is affiliated with MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. He is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Hooper provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. James Hooper is committed to improving the health and well-being of his patients and the wider community, continually striving to provide the most effective and compassionate care possible.

Dr. James Hooper addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Joint Pain: This involves evaluating the source of pain and recommending treatment options, which may include medication, physical therapy, or other interventions.
• Genu Varum: This condition, also known as bowlegs, is assessed to determine the severity and recommend appropriate management strategies.
• Adult Failure to Thrive: This involves identifying underlying causes of unintentional weight loss, weakness, or other symptoms and implementing interventions to improve overall health.
• Foot Infection: Treatment typically involves addressing the infection with antibiotics or other appropriate measures.
• Leukocytopenia: This involves investigating the cause of low white blood cell count and providing appropriate treatment to improve immune function.
• Urinary Incontinence: Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications to medication and other interventions.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This often involves supplementation to restore adequate levels of this essential vitamin.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and providing supplementation as needed.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: This involves counseling and support to help patients quit smoking.
• Fever: Treatment focuses on identifying the underlying cause of the fever and providing symptomatic relief.
• Nail Infection: Treatment typically involves addressing the infection with antifungal medications or other appropriate measures.
• Newborn Jaundice: This condition is monitored and treated as needed to prevent complications.
• Constipation: Treatment strategies may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, or medication.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Management strategies vary depending on the type and severity of headache.

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

• Thyroid Biopsy: A small sample of tissue will be taken from your thyroid gland to be examined under a microscope.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of your heart.
• Removal or Revision of Pacemaker or Cardioverter and-or Defibrillator: Surgery to remove or update my heart's pacemaker or defibrillator.
• Cardiac Doppler: This ultrasound scan helps your doctor assess the function of your heart valves and blood vessels.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation: A supervised exercise and education program to improve heart health.
• Immunization Administration: This service provides vaccinations to protect against various infectious diseases.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. James Hooper. 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 Washington and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Washington Medical Commission.

Dr. James Hooper 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. James Hooper can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With prompt treatment, patients find their foot infections clear up, allowing them to comfortably walk and enjoy their favorite activities once again. Pain and discomfort subside, restoring mobility and a sense of well-being.
• With careful monitoring and appropriate treatment, patients experiencing leukocytopenia often see their white blood cell counts rise to healthy levels. This allows them to regain strength and participate more fully in their daily lives, reducing their risk of infection.
• With effective headache management, patients rediscover the joy of daily activities, free from the debilitating pain that once held them back. They can confidently pursue their passions and enjoy fulfilling social lives without the constant worry of an impending migraine.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. James Hooper, 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 Tacoma, Washington area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Tacoma and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Tacoma. 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. James Hooper. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. James Hooper or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Choice, Type: POS II
  • 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
  • Plan: WA AWH Puget Sound, Type: POS
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• First Choice Health
  • Plan: First Choice Health PPO
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• LifeWise
  • Plan: Alpine
  • Plan: Primary
• Premera Blue Cross
  • Plan: Blue High Performance, Type: Network
  • Plan: Heritage Prime, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Heritage Signature
• Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Individual and Family, Type: Network
  • Plan: Preferred Provider Network PPN
• Regence Blue Shield of Washington
  • Plan: Blue High Performance Network, Type: HPN
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: Navigate, Type: HMO
  • 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. James Hooper 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. James Hooper) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (253) 441-2634 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. James Hooper may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital (Tacoma, WA)

He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, and Board Certified in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. James Hooper:

Are services from Dr. James Hooper typically covered by health insurance in Washington?

Dr. James Hooper, as a Family Physician in Washington, 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 crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (253) 441-2634 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. James Hooper is 'in-network' for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, including 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 our office about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

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

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

Dr. James Hooper 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. James Hooper, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. James Hooper 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. James Hooper for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

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

First and foremost, 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 Washington Medical Commission website may sometimes have search tools for licensed physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations of doctors they trust and who might be accepting patients. 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. Finding a doctor who meets your needs may require persistence. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

How long do appointments with Dr. James Hooper typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. James Hooper can vary depending on the reason for your visit. Standard appointments for a single, focused issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 15-20 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive 'annual physical' or 'preventive wellness visit' (especially Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, which have specific components), a new patient intake appointment, in-depth counseling, or an in-office minor procedure will usually be scheduled for a longer duration, perhaps 30-45 minutes or even more. When booking your appointment at the clinic, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can try to allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. James Hooper. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or schedule separate visits to ensure each concern can be addressed thoroughly without rushing.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when the clinic is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency (such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, or major trauma), please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER) immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until our clinic reopens (like minor sprains, UTIs, or worsening cold/flu symptoms), you may consider visiting an urgent care center. Some practices, like ours, may have an on-call physician or an answering service that can direct you to appropriate care or provide advice for urgent patient queries after hours; please check our clinic voicemail [(253) 441-2634] or website for specific after-hours instructions. Your insurance plan may also offer a 24/7 nurse advice line that can help you determine the best course of action.

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. James Hooper 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. James Hooper will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

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

Preventative care with Dr. James Hooper focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential health problems before they become serious, often guided by recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), CDC, and other national bodies like the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. This involves a range of services tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors, such as routine check-ups (annual physicals or wellness visits, often covered by insurance without co-pay), age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g., Pap tests/HPV, mammograms, colon cancer screening, lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals), immunizations (flu shots, shingles, pneumococcal, Tdap), blood pressure and cholesterol checks, screening for diabetes and obesity, counseling on healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking cessation, responsible alcohol use), and risk assessments for various conditions. The goal is to prevent illness, detect diseases early, and promote long-term health.

2209 E 32nd St
Tacoma WA 98404
Phone: (253) 441-2634

Dr. James Hooper, DO is regulated by the Revised Code of Washington, Title 18, Chapter 18.71 (Physicians) in Washington and is licensed by The Washington Medical Commission.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1376070904

Registration can typically be verified through The Washington Medical Commission 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. James Hooper 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.