Dr. Kenneth Thrasher, DO – Family Physician | La Quinta, CA

Dr. Kenneth Thrasher, DO 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. Kenneth Thrasher is currently welcoming new patients to his practice. Please call (760) 340-2682 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Kenneth Thrasher, DO 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. He serves patients of all ages and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients, with over 25 years of dedicated experience in family medicine. Dr. Kenneth Thrasher, DO is a family medicine physician in La Quinta, CA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 1998. He is affiliated with Eisenhower Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

'I consider my role in my patient's lives as that of consultant, confidant, comforter and mechanic,' says Dr. Thrasher. In the metaphysical sense, I am personally driven by the philosophy of the French philosopher and Jesuit priest, Teilhard de Chardin, who said, 'We are not mortal beings in search of a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings having a mortal experience.' It is my job then to help ensure the mortal experience is optimized from a health standpoint so we are not distracted from all we are to gain otherwise. Dr. Kenneth Thrasher provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Kenneth Thrasher is committed to providing the highest quality of care and improving the health and well-being of his patients and the community.

Dr. Kenneth Thrasher addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Ganglion Cyst: A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that commonly develops near joints and tendons.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Chronic depression is a persistent low mood that significantly impacts daily life.
• Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence involves the involuntary leakage of urine.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention-deficit disorder (ADD) are neurodevelopmental conditions affecting attention and focus.
• Strep Throat: Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.
• Muscle Cramping: Muscle cramps are sudden, involuntary contractions of muscles.
• Ankle Sprains and Strains: Ankle sprains and strains are injuries to the ligaments and muscles of the ankle.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine.
• Hypogonadism: Hypogonadism is a condition characterized by deficient sex hormone production.
• Fever: Fever is an elevated body temperature often indicating infection or illness.
• Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition causing redness and inflammation.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract.
• Chronic Neck Pain: Chronic neck pain is persistent pain in the neck region.

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

• Hepatitis Screening: This involves testing for the presence of hepatitis viruses.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Counseling and support to help patients quit smoking.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: A blood test to detect the hepatitis B virus.
• Thyroid Screening: Tests to assess thyroid function.
• Skin Screenings: Examinations to detect skin abnormalities.
• Nail Avulsion and Excision: Removal of a nail.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: Assessment of fetal heart health.
• Chest Pain Evaluation: Evaluation and diagnosis of chest pain.
• Vaccination: Administration of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.
• McMurray's Test: A physical examination test for meniscus tears in the knee.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: A blood test to detect the hepatitis C virus.
• Immunization Administration: Administering vaccines to prevent disease.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Screening for cognitive impairment or depression.
• Ovarian Cancer Screening: Screening for ovarian cancer.

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

• With prompt treatment, patients quickly reduce their fever and experience a return to their normal comfort levels, allowing them to resume their daily activities with renewed energy. Feeling better allows them to return to work, school or other important activities.
• With the right treatment plan, patients experience a significant reduction in rosacea symptoms, leading to clearer skin and renewed confidence to engage in social activities and enjoy life to the fullest. They find relief from the discomfort and self-consciousness associated with the condition.
• With consistent treatment, many patients find significant relief from their chronic neck pain, allowing them to return to activities they enjoy, such as gardening or playing with their grandchildren. Improved mobility and reduced pain lead to a better overall quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Kenneth Thrasher, 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 located in a family medicine practice in the La Quinta, California area, conveniently situated near key city attractions and public services. It 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. Kenneth Thrasher. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Kenneth Thrasher 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: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
• Anthem Blue Cross
  • Plan: Prudent Buyer Individual CA, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Prudent Buyer Large Group CA, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BlueCard, Type: PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
  • Plan: Advantage Preferred DirectAccess Plus, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Select, Type: PPO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: Advantage
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Oscar Health
  • Plan: CA Cigna + Oscar Open Access Plus

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. Kenneth Thrasher 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. Kenneth Thrasher) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (760) 340-2682 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. Kenneth Thrasher 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 Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 1998. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Family Medicine at Shenandoah Valley Family Med Residency|Shenandoah Valley Family Practice Res Program (graduated 2001), honing skills in comprehensive patient care.

Are services from Dr. Kenneth Thrasher typically covered by health insurance in California?

Dr. Kenneth Thrasher, 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. Kenneth Thrasher 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. Kenneth Thrasher as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Kenneth Thrasher 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. Kenneth Thrasher 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. Kenneth Thrasher, 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 should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Kenneth Thrasher?

When you first meet Dr. Kenneth Thrasher as a new patient, expect to spend time discussing your complete health profile and filling out necessary registration and insurance forms. He will likely ask about your past medical history, significant family illnesses, all current medications (including vitamins and supplements - bringing them with you is often helpful), allergies, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and substance use, and any specific health concerns or goals you have. This comprehensive intake helps Dr. Kenneth Thrasher understand your overall health status and begin to formulate a long-term, personalized care plan. It's also an excellent time to ask any questions you may have about his approach to medicine or clinic procedures, including how they handle communication and urgent needs.

How long do appointments with Dr. Kenneth Thrasher typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Kenneth Thrasher 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. Kenneth Thrasher 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. Kenneth Thrasher to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

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. He manage acute illnesses, oversee care for long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling (often part of annual wellness visits or Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for seniors), administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals, often navigating insurance requirements. The continuity of care he provide, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine and can lead to better health outcomes.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Kenneth Thrasher?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Kenneth Thrasher means that he is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years, serving as your 'medical home'. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Kenneth Thrasher 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.

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

If you have several health issues, Dr. Kenneth Thrasher is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home'. He's 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. Kenneth Thrasher will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

Does Dr. Kenneth Thrasher at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Kenneth Thrasher at our clinic 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. Kenneth Thrasher 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. Kenneth Thrasher before scheduling such an appointment.

45280 Seeley Dr Fl 2
La Quinta CA 92253
Phone: (760) 340-2682

Dr. Kenneth Thrasher, DO 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): 1184782302

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. Kenneth Thrasher 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.