Dr. Kristine Magtanong Garcia, MD – Family Physician | Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Kristine Magtanong Garcia, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Philadelphia, PA. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine and practices under the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985).

To confirm if Dr. Kristine Garcia is currently accepting new patients, please contact (215) 662-8777. Dr. Kristine Garcia 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. She serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Kristine Magtanong Garcia, MD is a family medicine physician in Philadelphia, PA. She is affiliated with medical facilities Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Kristine Garcia is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Kristine Garcia offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Kristine Garcia is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of her patients and the community she serves.

Dr. Kristine Garcia addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Mild Asthma: This involves managing symptoms and preventing exacerbations through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring.
• Perimenopause: This focuses on managing symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances through lifestyle changes and hormone therapy if needed.
• Sciatica: Treatment involves pain management, physical therapy, and addressing underlying spinal issues.
• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This focuses on pain management, physical therapy, and addressing biomechanical issues in the knee.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Management may include dietary changes, medication, and lifestyle adjustments to improve digestion.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: Treatment may involve lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other therapies to improve sleep quality.
• Blood in Urine (Hematuria): This requires investigation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
• Moles (Benign Skin Lesions): Regular monitoring and assessment for any changes are crucial.
• or Anxiolytic Abuse: This requires a comprehensive approach to address substance abuse and mental health concerns.
• Fever: Evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
• Benign Chronic Pain Syndrome: Management focuses on pain control, physical therapy, and addressing underlying issues.
• Genitourinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy: Treatment involves appropriate antibiotics to protect both mother and baby.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: This necessitates a comprehensive approach to address addiction and mental health concerns.
• Difficulty With Walking: Evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

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

• Impairment Rating Evaluation: This involves assessing the extent of functional limitations due to injury or illness.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: This helps detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: This assesses spinal alignment and posture to identify potential problems.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: This helps detect the presence of chlamydia infection.
• Immunization Administration: This involves administering vaccines to prevent infectious diseases.
• Diabetes Screening: This helps detect the presence of diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This measures how the body processes glucose.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: This provides an unbiased assessment of a child's educational needs.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: This assesses mental health in children and adolescents.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: This helps detect the presence of STIs.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: This assesses the health of a baby's heart during pregnancy.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This records the electrical activity of the heart.
• Home Sleep Study: This helps diagnose sleep disorders.
• Osteoporosis Screening: This helps detect the presence of osteoporosis.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Kristine Garcia. 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 Pennsylvania and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

Dr. Kristine Garcia 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. Kristine Garcia can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With proper management, patients experience fewer asthma attacks and significantly improved lung function. This allows them to participate more fully in everyday activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
• With prompt treatment, expectant mothers experiencing genitourinary tract infections found relief from discomfort and were able to continue enjoying a healthy pregnancy, free from the worry of infection. This allowed them to focus on preparing for the arrival of their baby.
• With proper management, patients experiencing gas-bloat syndrome find significant relief from discomfort and bloating, allowing them to comfortably enjoy social events and meals without worry. This improved digestion leads to increased energy levels and a better overall quality of life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Kristine Garcia, 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.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, near key city attractions and public services. It is generally accessible via various local transportation options serving Philadelphia. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

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

• Aetna
• Amerihealth
  • Plan: Personal Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Regional Preferred POS Plus
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card High Performance Network, Type: HPN
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
  • Plan: High Performance Network - Tiered, Type: HPN
• Capital Blue Cross
  • Plan: Capital Blue Cross PPO
  • Plan: Wellspan Health, Type: PPO
• 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
• Geisinger Health Plan
  • Plan: Geisinger Choice with no Referral, Type: PPO
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BCBS, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Community Blue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: PPOBlue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Performance Blue
  • Plan: myBlue Access, Type: EPO
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
  • Plan: Direct Access, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Type: HMO
  • Plan: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Type: POS
  • Plan: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Type: PPO
  • Plan: OMNIA - Tier2, Type: EPO
  • Plan: OMNIA, Type: HMO
• Independence Blue Cross
  • Plan: Keystone HMO, Type: HMO-POS
• Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
• MVP Health Care
  • Plan: MVP Health Plan, Type: EPO
• Oxford Health Plans
  • Plan: Freedom
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: MD IPA/Optimum Choice HMO/Preferred POS HMO, Type: HMO-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. Kristine Garcia 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. Kristine Garcia) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (215) 662-8777 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. Kristine Garcia may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
• Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (Philadelphia, PA)

She earned her medical degree from Drexel University.

She is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Kristine Garcia:

Are services from Dr. Kristine Garcia typically covered by health insurance in Pennsylvania?

As a Family Physician in Pennsylvania, Dr. Kristine Garcia 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 prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Kristine Garcia 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. Kristine Garcia as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Kristine Garcia 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. Kristine Garcia 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. Kristine Garcia, 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 is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Kristine Garcia?

Continuity of care means having an ongoing, long-term relationship with your Family Physician, Dr. Kristine Garcia, and her care team. It's important because it allows Dr. Kristine Garcia to get to know you, your comprehensive health history, your values, your family/social context, and how you respond to treatments. This deep understanding helps Dr. Kristine Garcia make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively with specialists (navigating insurance referrals if needed), and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care with a PCP is linked to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, increased adherence to medical advice, and more appropriate use of healthcare resources (e.g., fewer unnecessary ER visits and hospitalizations).

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

With Dr. Kristine Garcia, 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. Kristine Garcia works with you to create a personalized prevention plan, many components of which may be covered by your health insurance without cost-sharing.

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Kristine Garcia?

When you first meet Dr. Kristine Garcia as a new patient, expect to spend time discussing your complete health profile and filling out necessary registration and insurance forms. She 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. Kristine Garcia 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 her approach to medicine or clinic procedures, including how they handle communication and urgent needs.

How often should I see Dr. Kristine Garcia for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups, often called annual physicals or preventive wellness visits, with Dr. Kristine Garcia can vary based on your age, overall health, existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Many insurance plans in the US cover one annual preventive visit for adults with no co-pay. Generally, healthy younger adults may still benefit from regular check-ins (e.g., every 1-3 years if no major concerns, but an annual visit is often encouraged if covered by insurance), while older adults (e.g., annually, especially for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits), or individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension) typically require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-6 months or annually, as determined by Dr. Kristine Garcia). For specific screening tests like Pap smears, mammograms, or colonoscopies, there are established national guidelines (USPSTF, ACS, ACOG) based on age and gender which Dr. Kristine Garcia follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Kristine Garcia to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care.

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. Kristine Garcia recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

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

Yes, Dr. Kristine Garcia 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. Kristine Garcia 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. Kristine Garcia before scheduling such an appointment.

3737 Market St Fl 9
Philadelphia PA 19104
Phone: (215) 662-8777

Dr. Kristine Magtanong Garcia, MD is regulated by the Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 63, Chapter 15 (Medical Practice Act of 1985) in Pennsylvania and is licensed by The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1144586900

Registration can typically be verified through The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine 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. Kristine Garcia 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.