Dr. Laurence Lotz, MD – Family Physician | San Luis Obispo, CA

To confirm if Dr. Laurence Lotz is currently accepting new patients, please contact (805) 596-0900.

Dr. Laurence Lotz, 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). Dr. Laurence Lotz provides consultations primarily in English.

Dr. Laurence Lotz, 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 1976. 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.

Dr. Laurence Lotz is committed to providing evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. He believes in empowering his patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions and works diligently to ensure they understand their conditions and treatment options. Dr. Laurence Lotz looks forward to continuing to serve the San Luis Obispo community and providing the highest quality of care to his patients for many years to come.

Dr. Laurence Lotz addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Emphysema: This is a chronic lung disease causing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
• Abdominal Pain: This symptom can have many causes and requires a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying issue.
• Hypothyroidism: This condition involves an underactive thyroid gland, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms.
• Throat Pain: This discomfort can stem from various causes, including infections or irritations.
• Anemia: This condition involves a deficiency of red blood cells, often resulting in fatigue and weakness.
• Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear): These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments, often causing pain and limited movement.
• Acute Tonsillitis: This is an inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
• Limb Pain: Pain in the arms or legs can be caused by various issues, from minor injuries to more serious conditions.
• Osteopenia: This is a condition characterized by low bone mass, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: These skin conditions cause inflammation, itching, and rashes.
• Heart Disease: This encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart, often requiring comprehensive management.
• Gout: This form of arthritis is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): This progressive lung disease makes it hard to breathe.
• Migraine: This type of headache can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.

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

• Osteoporosis Screening: This involves tests to assess bone density and identify the risk of osteoporosis.
• Wellness Examination: This comprehensive checkup helps maintain optimal health and identify potential problems early.
• Diabetes Screening: These tests help detect high blood sugar levels, a key indicator of diabetes.
• Immunization Administration: This service provides vaccines to protect against various infectious diseases.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer: This screening test helps detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer.
• Pulmonary Function Test: This test measures lung capacity and function to assess respiratory health.
• Cholesterol Screening: This helps assess cholesterol levels and identify potential heart disease risks.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: This involves testing for various sexually transmitted infections.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the heart's electrical activity to detect potential heart problems.
• Thyroid Screening: This involves tests to assess thyroid function and identify potential thyroid disorders.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This test detects the presence of the hepatitis C virus.
• Liver Function Test: This assesses the health and function of the liver.
• Hepatitis Screening: This involves testing for various types of hepatitis.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: This involves tests to screen for prostate cancer.

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

• Through careful management of their heart disease, patients often experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improved cardiovascular health. This allows them to regain their energy and enjoy previously limited activities, like spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies.
• With effective treatment, patients often experience significant relief from throat pain, allowing them to comfortably swallow and resume their normal routines, such as eating and socializing. This improved comfort contributes to an overall better quality of life.
• With effective migraine management, patients experience fewer debilitating headaches, allowing them to return to work, social events, and other activities they enjoy without the constant worry of an impending attack. This improved quality of life empowers them to live more fully.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Laurence Lotz, 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.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the San Luis Obispo, California area, near key city attractions and public services. It's 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. 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. Laurence Lotz. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Laurence Lotz or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• 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. Laurence Lotz 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. Laurence Lotz) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (805) 596-0900 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 1976.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Laurence Lotz:

Are services from Dr. Laurence Lotz typically covered by health insurance in California?

Dr. Laurence Lotz, 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, patients must always verify with their specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office prior to an appointment to confirm that Dr. Laurence Lotz is 'in-network' for their plan and to understand their 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. Laurence Lotz as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Laurence Lotz 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. Laurence Lotz 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. Laurence Lotz, 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. Laurence Lotz?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Laurence Lotz 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. Laurence Lotz 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.

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

What should I expect during my first new patient intake appointment with Dr. Laurence Lotz?

Your first appointment with Dr. Laurence Lotz is an important opportunity to establish care. He will likely review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, allergies, immunizations, and family health history. he will also want to discuss your current health concerns, any medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements - bring the bottles or an accurate list), and your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol/substance use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Laurence Lotz's practice style and for him to explain clinic policies (e.g., appointment scheduling, prescription refills, communication methods, insurance billing procedures, missed appointment fees). You will likely need to provide your insurance card(s), a photo ID, and complete new patient paperwork. The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information for optimal ongoing care and to begin building a strong physician-patient relationship.

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 happens if Dr. Laurence Lotz determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Laurence Lotz 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. In the US healthcare system, this often involves Dr. Laurence Lotz'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. Laurence Lotz 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. Laurence Lotz.

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 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 who are accepting new patients and can provide lists of accepted insurances. Verifying insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment is crucial.

1250 Peach St Ste A
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Phone: (805) 596-0900

Dr. Laurence Lotz, 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): 1841292182

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. Laurence Lotz 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.