Dr. Paul Swedberg, MD – Family Physician | San Luis Obispo, CA

Dr. Paul Swedberg, 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).

To confirm if Dr. Paul Swedberg is currently accepting new patients, please contact (805) 543-5353. Dr. Paul Swedberg, 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 University of Washington in 1977. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients.

Dr. Paul Swedberg 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 is committed to evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Paul Swedberg provides consultations primarily in English. He is dedicated to the ongoing health and well-being of his patients and the community he serves.

Dr. Paul Swedberg addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Allergic Rhinitis: This condition involves inflammation of the nasal passages, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): This involves persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities, impacting daily life.
• Low Back Pain: This encompasses pain in the lower back, often stemming from muscle strains, spinal issues, or other causes.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): These involve persistent disturbances in mood, ranging from low mood (dysthymia) to fluctuating moods (cyclothymia).
• Radiculopathy: This refers to pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the spine to other body parts, often due to nerve compression.
• Acute Sinusitis: This involves inflammation of the sinuses, causing symptoms like facial pain, pressure, and congestion.
• Sleep Apnea: This sleep disorder is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, often leading to daytime sleepiness.
• Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis: These involve inflammation of a vein, sometimes with blood clot formation, causing pain, swelling, and redness.
• Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures, often due to decreased bone density.
• Hyperkalemia: This involves high levels of potassium in the blood, potentially affecting heart function.
• Polyuria: This refers to excessive urination, potentially indicating underlying medical issues.
• Osteopenia: This is a condition of decreased bone density that precedes osteoporosis.
• Menopausal and Postmenopausal Disorders: This encompasses various symptoms experienced during and after menopause, such as hot flashes and mood changes.
• Anxiety: This involves excessive worry, fear, and nervousness, impacting daily functioning.

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

• Arrhythmia Screening: This helps detect irregular heartbeats, aiding in early diagnosis and management of heart conditions.
• Vaccination: This involves administering vaccines to protect against various infectious diseases.
• Hepatitis Screening: This helps detect hepatitis infections, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of complications.
• Fetal Cardiac Screening: This involves assessing the fetal heart during pregnancy to identify potential heart defects.
• Cardiac Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of the heart, assisting in diagnosis of heart conditions.
• Dipstick Urinalysis: This is a quick test to analyze urine, helping detect infections or other health problems.
• Gonorrhea Screening: This helps detect gonorrhea infection, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.
• Rapid Flu Test: This quickly detects influenza, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of spread.
• Detoxification Evaluation: This involves assessing the need for and guiding detoxification from substance abuse.
• Psychological Evaluation: This involves assessing mental health conditions, aiding in diagnosis and treatment.
• Diabetes Screening: This helps detect diabetes, enabling timely management and prevention of complications.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This assesses mental readiness for bariatric surgery.
• Health Screening: This involves comprehensive health assessments to identify potential health risks.
• Evaluation and Treatment of Sleep Disorders: This involves diagnosing and managing various sleep disorders.

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

• Through careful monitoring and adjustments to their diet and medication, patients successfully lower their potassium levels, alleviating the risk of dangerous heart complications and allowing them to return to their active lifestyles with greater peace of mind. Many resume previously restricted activities like regular exercise and social gatherings.
• With effective treatment, patients experiencing acute sinusitis often find relief from their painful symptoms, such as facial pressure and congestion. This allows them to return to their normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
• With proper treatment, patients experience a significant reduction in pain and inflammation associated with phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, allowing them to return to their normal activities with increased comfort and mobility. They are able to enjoy a higher quality of life free from the limitations imposed by these conditions.
• With effective management, patients find relief from debilitating symptoms, allowing them to rediscover energy and enjoy a fulfilling life, free from the limitations of hormonal imbalances. They can confidently pursue personal goals and activities once again.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Paul Swedberg, 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 San Luis Obispo, California area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in San Luis Obispo and is 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. 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. Paul Swedberg. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Paul Swedberg or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna HMO
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: 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. Paul Swedberg 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. Paul Swedberg) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (805) 543-5353 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 University of Washington in 1977.

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Paul Swedberg:

Are services from Dr. Paul Swedberg typically covered by health insurance in California?

Dr. Paul Swedberg, 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 at (805) 543-5353 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Paul Swedberg 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. Paul Swedberg as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, individuals do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Paul Swedberg to establish care as their Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Paul Swedberg 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. Paul Swedberg, 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 does it mean for Dr. Paul Swedberg to be 'in-network' or 'out-of-network' with my health insurance?

'In-network' means Dr. Paul Swedberg (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. Paul Swedberg'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.

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

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Paul Swedberg?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Paul Swedberg's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Paul Swedberg and the pharmacy. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances like opioids or stimulants, or medications requiring close monitoring like blood thinners), or if it has been a significant time (e.g., as determined by Dr. Paul Swedberg, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Paul Swedberg, an appointment will likely be required to assess your condition, ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose, and meet regulatory requirements. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization for certain medications, which our office can help initiate, but this can add time. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

How can I find a Family Physician (Family Physician) in California 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 California Medical Board (using Medical Board of California (MBC) if available) 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 can be challenging and may require persistence. Always verify insurance acceptance directly with the clinic before scheduling the first appointment.

What if Dr. Paul Swedberg works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Paul Swedberg?

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

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

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Paul Swedberg does as your PCP. He will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized and appropriate, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented and that everyone on your healthcare team is informed. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively within the context of your insurance and overall healthcare access.

1911 Johnson Ave
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-5353

Dr. Paul Swedberg, 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): 1558363895

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. Paul Swedberg 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.